NSFA reaffirms commitment to transparent, merit-based selection for Governor’s Cup host
The Chairman of the Niger State Football Association (NSFA), Comrade Ahmed Yusuf Fresh, has reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to a transparent and merit-based process in selecting host local government for the 2026 Niger State Governor’s Cup Football Competition.
Comrade Yusuf Fresh made this known during an inspection visit to Bida Local Government Area, where he led a delegation to assess available sporting facilities following the council’s expression of interest to host the prestigious tournament.
Addressing the council chairman, officials and other stakeholders, he disclosed that Bida formally indicated interest about six weeks ago, alongside other contenders including Suleja and Chanchaga/Shiroro local government areas.
He explained that the selection process follows established procedures, beginning with formal applications, acknowledgment and inspection of key infrastructure such as playing pitches, healthcare services and accommodation facilities, before a final test run to ascertain readiness ahead of the competition.
The NSFA chairman commended Bida Local Government for its renewed commitment to sports development, particularly the resurgence of Bida Lions FC, which he said has continued to make the state proud in national competitions, including the President Federation Cup. He noted the team’s impressive form, maintaining an unbeaten run and competing favorably against higher-tier clubs.
Fresh stressed that hosting the Governor’s Cup requires significant preparation and investment, adding that only local governments with the necessary facilities and organizational capacity would be considered.
He assured Bida of fair consideration, emphasizing that recommendations would be based strictly on objective assessment criteria in the overall interest of football development in the state.
Also speaking, NSFA Board Member, Comrade Barau Awaisu Kuta, commended Bida Local Football Council for its strong grassroots development, noting that it ranks among the leading councils in football activities across the state.
He, however, expressed concern over past neglect of teams, urging the council to provide adequate financial and logistical support to sustain progress and enhance youth engagement.
Comrade Barau Awaisu further emphasized that hosting rights would be determined strictly on merit after thorough inspections, stressing the need for standard playing facilities, proper medical arrangements, including functional ambulances, and adequate security to ensure a hitch-free tournament.
In his response, the Chairman of Bida Local Government, Hon. Usman Mohammed Manko, reaffirmed the council’s readiness to host the competition, describing the visit as highly significant to his administration.
He noted that his government is youths focused and committed to sports development, adding that the bid was driven by seriousness and a desire to showcase Bida’s capacity.
He assured the delegation that the local government has the infrastructure and support required to host a successful tournament, disclosing that already, arrangements had been made for medical coverage, including the provision of ambulances and support from relevant health institutions and the emirate council.
Hon. Manko pledged that the council would not disappoint if given the opportunity, reiterating Bida’s preparedness and determination to deliver a successful Governor’s Cup. He appreciated the NSFA delegation for the visit and assured that all identified gaps would be addressed promptly.
Facilities inspected during the visit included football pitches at the Federal Polytechnic Bida, the Aliyu Ndayako Memorial Stadium, the Federal Medical Centre, Bida, as well as selected hotel accommodations. The inspection forms part of the NSFA’s statewide tour aimed at ensuring a successful and hitch-free 2026 Governor’s Cup, with similar visits already conducted in Suleja.
