By Ado Salisu
Northwest states are to converge in Kano ahead of the maiden edition of basketball championship for both male and female scheduled to hold from April 16 to 19, 2026.
The championship which is being sponsoring by Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha DAM Foundation and seven states are expected to compete for honour which include Zamfara. Kebbi, Sokoto, Katsina, Jigawa, Kaduna and the host state Kano.
Speaking on the tournament, the competition’s Coordinator and former national basketball team head coach Sani Ahmad said arrangements are in top gear towards the success of the championship.
Coach Sani Ahmad who was the former Chief coach of Kano Pillars Basketball team revealed that the competition was an opportunity for the participating states to assemble a formidable team ahead of future various national engagements such as National Youth. Games, National Sports Festival and Nigerian Basketball Federation NBBF leagues.
While commending the tournament’s sponsors, Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha for his commitment to revive basketball competition in the northwest zone, he urged other wealthy individuals to emulate in order reduce defending on government resources.
”Honestly, we need these kind of competitions among our youth in this part of our zone especially at this critical situation, it will distance our youth from anti social vices and it is also assist our athletes to develop their skills,” coach Sani Ahmad explained.
He called on the participant team to exhibits sportsmanship and good ambassadors to their respective states, assuring that the organized will do everything possible to ensure free and fair officiating throughout the championship.
A key actors in the basketball family within and outside the state are expected to attend the opening and closing ceremony.