The 2026 edition of the annual NFF President’s Pre-Season Football Tournament, tagged the Gusau/Ahlan Pre-Season Tournament, has been officially scheduled to take place at Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina State.
The Independent Mirror reports that, in a statement issued by the tournament’s Media Coordinator, Lurwan Idris Malikawa, this year’s edition will kick off on 7 August 2026.
The tournament’s Coordinator, Alhaji Abahuraira Dahiru, disclosed that 16 football clubs from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and the Nigeria National League (NNL) have indicated their interest in participating in the competition.
He affirmed that the Local Organising Committee (LOC), headed by the Chairman of the Jigawa State Football Association, Alhaji Sabo Abdullahi, is working tirelessly to ensure that this year’s edition becomes the best in the tournament’s history.
He also urged clubs interested in participating to contact the tournament secretariat via 08068078080 for further information.
Speaking on the history of the competition, Alhaji Dahiru explained that the tournament began in Kano State six years ago. Since its inception, it has rotated across different parts of the country to promote sportsmanship, which remains its core objective.
He commended the Katsina State Government, under the leadership of Governor Umar Dikko Radda, for accepting to host this year’s edition, describing the decision as a demonstration of the governor’s commitment to the development of football and sports in general.
The Coordinator assured stakeholders that the Local Organising Committee would work closely with the Katsina State Football Association (KFA) and other relevant partners to ensure a successful tournament.
He further called on football lovers in Katsina State and residents across the state to give their maximum support and cooperation to make the tournament a colourful and memorable event.
It will be recalled that last year’s edition was hosted by the Nasarawa State Government, with Kano Pillars FC emerging as champions.
