By Ado Salisu
An array of football stars will showcase their talent at the third edition of the annual Ibrahim Galadima Cup, set to kick off on January 4th, 2025, at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kofar Mata, Kano, by 4 p.m.
The football tournament is organized annually to honor Ibrahim Galadima, the former chairman of the now-defunct Nigeria Football Association (NFA), in recognition of his significant contributions to the development of sports in Nigeria, Africa’s largest footballing nation.
Ado Salisu, the chairman of the competition’s media and publicity committee, disclosed that 16 teams would compete in four groups (A, B, C, and D).
Prominent clubs taking part in this year’s edition include Proline FC, Clever Warriors, Azhuba FC, Kano Pillars FC (Junior), Super Stars Sheka, and Kwankwasiyya FC.
Salisu emphasized that the competition will retain its signature fanfare, with clubs from outside Kano also participating. “The usual exciting attributes that make this tournament memorable will be upheld, and this year, we will also have Tiger FC from Funtua, Katsina State, competing,” he said.
He also revealed that Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology would be deployed to ensure fair and accurate officiating throughout the matches. “The use of VAR will help officiating officials make the right decisions, ensuring the free flow of matches,” he added.
The opening match on January 4th will feature Super Stars Sheka against Clever Warriors in what is expected to be a thrilling encounter. The match will kick off at 4 p.m. at Sani Abacha Stadium.
Notable football personalities expected to attend the grand opener include Alhaji Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC); Ibrahim Gusau, President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF); Makaman Bichi; Isiyaku Umar Tofa; Halilu Baba Dantiye, former President of the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) and Kano State Commissioner for Information; and Sherif Rabiu Inuwa, Chairman of the Kano State Football Association (KSFA), among others.
The Ibrahim Galadima Cup promises to be an exciting start to the year, celebrating both football talent and the lasting legacy of one of Nigerian football’s most influential figures.
