By Ado Salisu
Governor Umaru Dikko Radda has endorsed the incumbent President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, for a second term in office.
The Independent Mirror reports that Malam Umaru Dikko Radda stated this while receiving the NFF President, who paid a courtesy visit to the Katsina State Government House.
The Governor described the administration of the Gusau-led NFF board as transformative, particularly in the development of youth football and the Nigerian leagues.
He called on football stakeholders and the National Sports Commission (NSC), led by Malam Shehu Dikko, to work collectively towards the overall development of sports, particularly football, in Nigeria, Africa and globally.
Malam Umaru Dikko Radda also pledged to continue partnering with the federation to promote and develop football in Katsina State and the country at large.
Earlier, the NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, expressed gratitude to the Governor for providing a conducive environment for the Gusau/Ahlan Pre-Season Tournament in Katsina.
He assured the Governor that the federation would continue to partner with relevant agencies within and outside the country to achieve its desired objectives.
Gusau also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment and support to the federation, promising that the NFF would continue to do its best to improve and promote the image of Nigeria in Africa and around the world.
In the final match of the Gusau/Ahlan Pre-Season Soccer Tournament, Ranchers Bees of Kaduna emerged as winners of this year’s edition after defeating Kwara United of Ilorin 7–6 on penalties.
Sixteen football clubs from across the country participated in the 10-day soccer tournament.
More than 30 state Football Association chairmen, representatives of the Katsina State Governor and other football stakeholders from across the country attended the closing ceremony held at the Muhammad Dikko Stadium in Katsina.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of medals, gifts and trophies to the winners and runners-up.
