By Yusuf A. Yusuf Giginyu
Katsina State Governor, Malam Umar Dikko Radda, has pledged to sustain his administration’s partnership with the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to promote and develop football in the state.
The governor also pledged to complete the outstanding works at the Umaru Dikko Radda Stadium as part of efforts to promote sports development across the state.
Radda made the pledge when he received on a courtesy visit the NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, alongside the NFF Technical Committee Chairman and Kano State Football Association Chairman, Alhaji Sharif Rabi’u Inuwa Ahlan, as well as chairmen of football associations from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The governor said promoting sports would not only boost the state’s economy but also provide young people with opportunities to showcase their talents and build careers capable of taking them to the international stage.
He disclosed that two football players from Katsina State had recently been sent abroad for trials, noting that one of them was an Almajiri who had been given the opportunity to pursue a career in football.
The NFF president, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, MON, commended the Katsina State Government for its support towards sports development in the state.
He assured the governor that the NFF would continue to collaborate with the state government and provide the necessary support to further develop football in Katsina.
Gusau was accompanied by members of the NFF board, as well as chairmen of football associations from the 36 states and the FCT.
Meanwhile, Ranchers Bees of Kaduna emerged champions of the 2026 Gusau/Ahlan Pre-Season Soccer Tournament after defeating Kwara United of Ilorin 7–6 on penalties following a goalless draw at the end of regulation time.
The final was played at the Umar Dikko Radda Stadium in Katsina State.
