By Our Correspondent
Kano State has qualified for all the events it contested at the North-West Zonal Elimination tournament for the 23rd National Sports Festival scheduled to hold in Enugu State in 2026.
The state secured its qualification after recording impressive results in various events at the zonal competition.
On Tuesday, the Kano State women’s basketball team defeated Zamfara State 47-37 to book its place at the National Sports Festival.
In men’s football, Kano defeated Sokoto State 2-1 in its opening match before losing 1-0 to Kaduna State in its final game.
Despite the defeat, the team secured qualification for the National Sports Festival based on its overall performance at the zonal elimination.
The Kano State conventional volleyball team also ended its campaign on a winning note, defeating Sokoto State 2-0.
According to a statement by the Information Officer of the Kano State Sports Commission, Ashiru Rabiu Gidan Tudu, Kano qualified in all the five events it contested — men’s football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, conventional volleyball and beach volleyball.
Reacting to the achievement, the Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Muhammad Tukur Babangida, thanked Almighty Allah for the success recorded by the state’s contingent.
Babangida commended the athletes, coaches, officials of the commission and others who contributed to the team’s performance at the qualifying tournament.
He also lauded the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his support and commitment to sports development in the state.
According to him, the government’s support has enabled the commission to pursue its objectives and record progress in various sporting activities.
The chairman also appreciated the people of Kano State and sports enthusiasts for their prayers and continued support.
He commended the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kano State chapter, for its contribution to promoting the activities of the commission and disseminating information to the public.
Babangida said the commission would now focus on preparations for the 23rd National Sports Festival in Enugu, expressing optimism that Kano would win medals and consolidate its position among Nigeria’s leading sporting states.
