Kano State is set to participate in the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival—“Gateway Games”—taking place in Abeokuta, Ogun State, from May 16 to 30, 2025, with a delegation of over 200 athletes, coaches, and officials.
The Acting Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission (KSSC), Ibrahim Umar Fagge—popularly known as FIFA—will lead the contingent, which includes 173 athletes, 97 coaches and officials, journalists, organizing secretaries, and 15 government representatives. The athletes will compete in 17 events, including football, volleyball, handball, judo, boxing, taekwondo, swimming, athletics, kungfu, karate, kickboxing, dambe, kokawa, chess, gymnastics, shooting, and para powerlifting.
Addressing the team before departure, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Alhaji Mustapha Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, urged the athletes to be exemplary ambassadors of the state. He emphasized the importance of discipline, unity, and sportsmanship, stating that success in sports goes hand-in-hand with patience and endurance.
“Represent Kano with dignity and avoid any action that could tarnish the image of our state,” the commissioner advised.
The Governor reiterated the state government’s unwavering commitment to supporting sports development and sustaining Kano’s strong reputation in the national sporting arena.
In a show of solidarity, Acting Chairman Ibrahim Umar Fagge announced he would travel with the team by road rather than fly, to share the journey and experiences of the athletes and officials.
“As head of the commission, I believe in leading by example. If our athletes are going by road, I will go by road. Leadership means standing with your people,” Fagge stated.
He acknowledged the moral and financial support provided by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and praised the efforts of other stakeholders including Commissioner Kwankwaso and Special Adviser on Youth and Sports, Alhaji Sani Danja.
Fagge affirmed that comprehensive preparations had been made to ensure Kano’s success at the games, with strong logistical backing and strategic planning in place.
On behalf of the contingent, athlete Solomon Yola expressed gratitude to the state government, promising that the team would strive for excellence in Abeokuta and bring pride to Kano.