OFFICIALS of Confederation of Africa Football are expected to arrive the ancient city of Kano, today, Monday to inspect the Sani Abacha Stadium and other facilities ahead of 2026/2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Chairman of Kano State Football Association, Dr Sharif Rabiu Inuwa Ahlan stated this at a reception organized by his former schoolmates at Bayero University, Kano.
Ahlan declared that Kano has been selected by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to be among the host cities.
Ahlan noted that the state has all it takes as one of the centers in successfully hosting a great sport event like the African Cup of Nations as “it has the people, the facilities, and the commitment of the government,” he said.
He added that Kano State had in the past hosted the under-17 and under-20 World Cup football competitions, which gave the state an insight into the protocols of hosting.
Ahlan continued, “We have the template, we know what is expected of us, then it is just for us to go and repeat it and make sure that it is good. It is interesting that it is a joint bid”.
He therefore stated that he is looking forward to hosting the delegation and assured them of good hospitality in the state which will be the combination of both public and private sectors.
He further disclosed that the present administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has a keen interest in encouraging and supporting any move that will improve the development of sporting activities in the state and the country in general.
While expressing appreciation to his classmates for honouring him with such reception, he assured them of his continuous efforts towards the development of sports particularly football in the state, country and Africa at large.
He then commended the leadership of Ibrahim Musa Gusau led NFF board for his commitment and determination in the running the affairs of the federation and further appealed to all stakeholders to continue to support the present NFF board to achieve the desired objectives.
Earlier speaking, the chairman of Jigawa Football Association, Alhaji Sabo Eka described Ahlan as a committed leader in the development of sport in Kano and the country as a whole.
Speaking on behalf of the organizers, Alhaji Ado Abdu Yumfawa said, they organized the reception for Ahlan as part of their efforts to encourage him to do more for football in the state and the country at large.
