By Salisu Musa Jegus
Mahaha Sports Complex, a sporting facility with an impressive architectural design and strategic location, remains one of the largest sports centres in Northern Nigeria.
The Independent Mirror reports that the complex was conceived and designed by Abba Kabir Yusuf during his tenure as Kano State Commissioner for Works.
The facility boasts more than 40 sporting and recreational amenities, including football, basketball, volleyball, handball, tennis, cricket, badminton, horse racing, a swimming pool, hostels, and many others.
With over 5,000 youths reportedly using the facility daily, many sports enthusiasts have expressed concern over the neglect, underutilization, and poor maintenance of parts of the complex despite its enormous potential.
A visit by our correspondent revealed that the complex still has the capacity to serve as a major hub for youth development, talent discovery, and sporting excellence if provided with the necessary attention and effective management.
Sports enthusiasts who spoke to our correspondent described the facility as a priceless asset capable of producing future national and international athletes.
They noted that many talented youths currently use the complex for training and recreation but called for improved maintenance, renovation of aging structures, and enhanced security.
According to them, the facility could also serve as a significant source of revenue for the state through the hosting of local, national, and international sporting competitions.
They further appealed to the Kano State Government, private organizations, and other sports stakeholders to collaborate in preserving the complex for future generations.
Observers believe that with proper investment and effective management, Mahaha Sports Complex can once again become a centre of sporting excellence, creating opportunities for thousands of young people and strengthening Kano State’s position as a leading destination for sports development in Nigeria.
As the demand for quality sporting facilities continues to grow, many residents remain hopeful that the giant sports complex will receive the attention it deserves and regain its status as one of the most active and modern sporting centres in the country.
