By Lurwanu Idris Malikawa Garu
Katsina State Governor, Malam Umar Dikko Radda, has commended the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President’s Pre-Season Tournament, tagged the Gusau/Ahlan Cup, for its efficient organisation of the competition.
The governor gave the commendation on Saturday while declaring the tournament open at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina.
Represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Engr. Surajo Yazid Abukur, Governor Radda described the tournament as an avenue for promoting sporting activities, peace and cordial relationships among youths from different backgrounds across the country.
He welcomed players and officials of the 16 participating teams to Katsina State, commending them for accepting the invitation to take part in the competition.
According to him, their presence in the state was a welcome development to the government and people of Katsina, in line with the administration’s efforts to promote peace and socio-economic development.
The governor urged the participating teams to feel at home throughout their stay, assuring them of the warm hospitality of the people of Katsina State.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting initiatives capable of projecting the image of Katsina positively within Nigeria and beyond, saying the hosting of the Gusau/Ahlan Cup was one of such initiatives.
Governor Radda also appreciated the NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON), for granting Katsina State the opportunity to host the tournament.
He urged the participating teams to remain law-abiding and focused as they prepare for the 2026/2027 football season.
Speaking on behalf of the NFF President, NFF board member Alhaji Sharif Rabi’u Inuwa Ahlan thanked Governor Radda for accepting to host the tournament despite the short notice given to the state by the LOC.
He advised the participating teams to use the competition to assess their strengths, make necessary technical adjustments and prepare adequately for the new football season, which is scheduled to commence on August 28.
Ahlan said the NFF president was committed to doing everything humanly possible to ensure that Nigerian football at all levels attained global standards.
He also appealed to players and supporters of the participating teams to be good ambassadors of their respective clubs and demonstrate sportsmanship throughout the tournament, irrespective of match results.
Earlier, the Chairman of the LOC and Chairman of the Jigawa State Football Association, Alhaji Sabo Abdullahi, assured the participating teams of fairness and justice throughout the competition.
Abdullahi, who traced the history of the tournament, said it started five years ago in Kano and had since rotated annually among different parts of the country.
He said the initiative was aimed at promoting peace and unity among Nigerian youths, noting that football remained one of the most unifying factors in the country.
The LOC chairman commended the Katsina State Government, Katsina State Football Association, Sports Writers Association, football stakeholders and the people of Katsina for their support and cooperation.
He urged them to sustain the support throughout the tournament.
The opening match of the competition, played between hosts Katsina United Football Club and Wikki Tourists of Bauchi, ended in a 1-1 draw.
