The Kano State Sports Commission has demonstrated its commitment to sports development and its determination to restore Kano to its position as a leading sports centre in Northern Nigeria.
This was reflected in the presentation of the report of the just-concluded North-West Zonal Elimination Championships for the 1st National Intermediate Games and the 23rd National Sports Festival 2026 by the Commission’s Secretary, Bashir Ahmed Maizare, Ph.D.
Presenting the report to the Chairman and members of the Commission, Maizare gave a detailed account of Team Kano’s performance at the Kaduna zonal championships. His presentation provided useful insights into the teams’ achievements and the work required ahead of the national competitions.
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According to the Secretary’s report which was made available to this site, the 1st National Intermediate Games zonal eliminations were organised in preparation for the National Championship scheduled for September 10–12, 2026.
Team Kano participated in eight sports events across seven disciplines, covering both male and female categories.
The events were:
- Rugby, Male and Female
- Basketball, Male and Female
- Handball, Male and Female
- Cricket, Male
- Indoor Volleyball, Male
- Football, Male
- Hockey, Male
| Position | Sports/Event | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Rugby, Male | Champions / Qualified |
| 1st | Rugby, Female | Champions / Qualified |
| 1st | Indoor Volleyball, Male | Champions / Qualified |
| 2nd | Football, Male | Qualified |
| 2nd | Cricket, Male | Qualified |
| 2nd | Hockey, Male | Qualified |
| 2nd | Handball, Female | Qualified |
| 2nd | Basketball, Female | Qualified |
In summary,Team Kano secured eight qualifying positions, comprising three first-place finishes and five second-place finishes. The teams qualified in all eight events listed above for the National Championship proper.
Dr. Maizare also presented the results of Team Kano at the zonal elimination championships for the 23rd National Sports Festival 2026.
The competition, scheduled for September 13–15, 2026, featured four sports disciplines and five events.
They were:
- Basketball, Male and Female
- Football, Male
- Indoor Volleyball, Male
- Beach Volleyball, Male
| Position | Sports/Event | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Indoor Volleyball, Male | Champions / Qualified |
| 1st | Beach Volleyball, Male | Champions / Qualified |
| 2nd | Basketball, Male | Qualified |
| 2nd | Basketball, Female | Qualified |
| 2nd | Football, Male | Qualified |
Summarising the performance, the Secretary stated that Team Kano achieved qualification in all five events entered, winning two and finishing second in three.
The Secretary concluded that Team Kano’s performance at the Kaduna Zonal Eliminations was commendable, with the contingent securing 13 qualifying positions from the 15 events entered.
The breakdown was:
- Five first-place finishes
- Eight second-place finishes
- 13 qualifying positions
- 86.7 per cent qualification rate
The results demonstrate the competitiveness and potential of Kano athletes and teams at the zonal level.
On the way or task ahead, the secrtatry said, with the national competitions approaching, the Kano State Sports Commission will need to sustain the technical, financial, logistical and welfare support required to prepare the qualified teams.
Adequate preparation will be essential to ensure that the athletes and officials represent Kano effectively at the respective national competitions in Lagos and Enugu, as applicable.
The performance at the Kaduna zonal championships provides a basis for renewed attention to sports development in Kano.
Beyond the immediate competitions, the results highlight the importance of strengthening grassroots sports, improving training facilities, supporting coaches and ensuring that athletes receive the resources needed to compete at the highest level.
With consistent investment and proper coordination, the Kano State Sports Commission can build on these achievements and advance its efforts to restore Kano to its rightful place in Northern sports.
