The Kano State contingent at the ongoing 8th Edition of the National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State, has made a special appeal to Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf for assistance.

A source within the entourage, speaking off the record, revealed that the State Sports Commission had earlier submitted a proposal through the office of the Secretary to the State Governor to expedite the release of funds.

Despite the release of the funds, the Commission has not yet received the money to distribute to the team members.

The source lamented that during the previous edition of the Games, the state contingent, which had a larger team, was allocated more funds than this time around, even though the local currency has depreciated and inflation is on the rise.

The contingent also called on the current administration, through the Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Mustapha Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, to address the issue promptly to protect the state’s reputation as a leader in various fields.

The athletes fear that if the situation is not urgently addressed, Kano may lose the opportunity to win medals, as they have occasionally arrived late to game venues.

As of the time of filing this report, efforts to contact the Commissioner or his representative regarding the issue have been unsuccessful.

As Kano Pillars prepares for the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, the team embarks on a crucial preseason tournament in Jos, Plateau State.

Kano Pillars Football Club, famously known as Sai Masu Gida, has departed Kano with a strong squad of 40 players to participate in the 3rd edition of the Gusau/Ahlan Preseason Tournament. The tournament, held in Jos, is a key preparatory event that attracts top football teams from across Nigeria.

Kano Pillars FC has been drawn into Group C, where they will face Discovery Talent Academy from Kebbi State, Mighty Jets FC of Jos, and NPFL rivals, Lobi Stars of Makurdi. According to the schedule, Pillars will begin their campaign on Thursday, August 22nd, with a match against Discovery Talent Academy. They will then face Mighty Jets FC on Friday, August 23rd, and conclude the group stage with a match against Lobi Stars on Sunday, August 25th.

Under the leadership of newly appointed Technical Adviser, Coach Usman Abdallah, Kano Pillars aims to use this tournament to fine-tune their strategies and assess the players’ readiness ahead of the 2024/25 NPFL season, which begins on August 31st, 2024.

The club’s management, technical team, and players are determined to make a strong impact at the tournament, viewing it as a valuable opportunity to foster team chemistry and build momentum. The club has called on its loyal fans, known as the Pillarites, to continue their unwavering support as the team embarks on this important journey.

The Kano State Government has pledged its unwavering support for the newly established board of Kano Pillars FC. The commitment was expressed by the Commissioner of Youths and Sports so, Hon. Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, during a courtesy visit by the board members, led by their chairman, Alhaji Ali Na Yara Mai Samba, at his office on Monday.

It will be recalled that the state government, under the leadership of Governor Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, approved the formation of the new management board for the Nigeria Premier Football League side on Sunday.

Commissioner Kwankwaso assured the board of his full support and encouraged them to work diligently to restore the club to its former glory. He emphasized that the appointments were made based on merit after a thorough evaluation of the individuals appointed to the new board.

“Your selection was done based on merit after spending weeks studying the potential impact each of you could bring to the club,” said Kwankwaso. “I urge all of you to work together as a team for the betterment of the club.”

Regarding the state of the Sani Abacha Stadium, the Commissioner announced that work on the playing surface would commence soon and is expected to be completed before the kickoff of the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League season. He mentioned that the work would be carried out in phases and assured that it would not take long to complete.

In response, Chairman of the Board, Alhaji Ali Na Yara Mai Samba, expressed gratitude to the Commissioner for his role in ensuring the selection of the best individuals to lead the four-time Nigeria Premier Football League Champions. He promised that the board would do everything possible to ensure the team’s success.