Governor Radda Commends LOC as Gusau/Ahlan Pre-Season Tournament Kicks Off in Katsina
By Maikudi Muhammad Marafa
Katsina State Governor, Alhaji Umar Dikko Radda, has expressed confidence in the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the NFF President’s Pre-Season Football Tournament, popularly known as the Gusau/Ahlan Cup, commending the committee for its outstanding organisational capacity and successful coordination of the competition.
In statement signed by Lurwanu Idris Malikawa Garu Media Coordinator NFF President’s Gusau/Ahlan Pre-Season Football Tournament stated that, The Governor gave the commendation on Saturday while officially declaring the tournament open at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina. He was represented at the ceremony by the State Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Engr. Surajo Yazid Abukur.
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Governor Radda described the tournament as a significant platform for promoting football development, youth engagement, national unity, and peaceful coexistence among young people drawn from different parts of the country.
He warmly welcomed the players and officials of the 16 participating clubs, expressing appreciation for honouring the invitation to compete in Katsina State.
According to the Governor, the presence of the teams reflects growing confidence in the state’s peaceful atmosphere and aligns with the government’s commitment to fostering peace, sports development, and socio-economic growth.
He assured all participating teams of their safety and comfort throughout the tournament, urging them to regard Katsina as their home and enjoy the renowned hospitality of its people.
Governor Radda reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting sporting initiatives capable of projecting the positive image of Katsina State nationally and internationally. He noted that hosting the prestigious Gusau/Ahlan Pre-Season Tournament forms part of the government’s broader efforts to showcase the state’s progress and potential.
He also expressed gratitude to the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON), for giving Katsina State the opportunity to host this year’s competition.
The Governor urged all participating clubs to remain disciplined, uphold the principles of fair play, and use the tournament as adequate preparation ahead of the 2026/2027 Nigeria football season.
Speaking on behalf of the NFF President, NFF Executive Board Member Alhaji Sharif Rabi’u Inuwa Ahlan thanked Governor Radda for accepting to host the tournament despite the short notice.
He encouraged the participating clubs to take full advantage of the competition to fine-tune their technical and tactical preparations before the commencement of the new football season on August 28, 2026.
The NFF representative reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to raising the standard of Nigerian football to meet global best practices and appealed to players, officials, and supporters to uphold sportsmanship and serve as worthy ambassadors of their respective clubs throughout the tournament.
Earlier, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee and Chairman of the Jigawa State Football Association, Alhaji Sabo Abdullahi, assured participating teams of a transparent, fair, and impartial competition.
He explained that the tournament, which began five years ago in Kano State, has continued to rotate across different states of the federation as part of efforts to promote peace, unity, and national integration through football.
Alhaji Sabo Abdullahi commended the Katsina State Government, the Katsina State Football Association, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), football stakeholders, and the people of Katsina for their tremendous support in ensuring the successful hosting of the tournament.
The opening fixture of the competition saw host club Katsina United FC play out an entertaining 1–1 draw against Wikki Tourists FC of Bauchi State.
Signed:
Lurwanu Idris Malikawa Garu Media Coordinator NFF President’s Gusau/Ahlan Pre-Season Football Tournament
