Ahmad Hamisu Gwale
Kano Lions FC has won the inaugural Tinubu-Abba Youth Development Cup 2026, a football tournament organised in honour of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
The Independent Mirror reports that Kano Lions FC emerged champions after defeating Gwale United FC 3–1 on penalties following a 2–2 draw at full time in the final played on Friday at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano.
The tournament was organised and sponsored by Hon. Aminu Mukhtar Dan’Amu, Executive Director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), with the aim of discovering, nurturing and promoting young football talents.
Speaking at the end of the tournament, Dan’Amu commended the organisers and participants for their exceptional efforts in ensuring the successful commencement and conclusion of the competition.
He described sports as a powerful tool for uniting young people, promoting peaceful coexistence and encouraging positive engagement among youths.
Dan’Amu also appreciated the distinguished guests who attended the final and urged the youths to work hard, remain disciplined and make positive choices that would contribute to a better future.
The former Kano State Commissioner for Finance further stated that the tournament was part of activities aimed at mobilising support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Kano State Football Association, Sharif Rabiu Inuwa Ahlan, commended Aminu Dan’Amu for the initiative and called on other prominent individuals to emulate his efforts for the benefit of the people of Kano State.
The Tinubu-Abba Youth Development Cup 2026 featured 16 clubs from the Kano metropolitan area, with plans to expand the competition in subsequent editions to cover all 44 local government areas of Kano State.
The final was attended by several distinguished guests, including Dr. Baffa Babba Dan’agundi, Director-General of the National Productivity Centre (NPC), Hon. Sani Musa Danga, Adviser to Kano Governor on Youth and Sports, Khalid Ishaq Diso former Gwale local government chairman among other dignitaries from Kano State and beyond.
