I am compelled to ask this question in light of the way Kano State’s sports fortunes are taking an unexpected turn, raising serious concerns about the direction, management, and overall progress of sports in the state.
My concern stems from the manner in which the Kano State Government has been handling sports affairs—an approach that appears overly soft and lacks the firmness necessary to drive meaningful progress.
Many years ago, Kano State used to excel in every edition of the National Sports it participated in, consistently delivering outstanding results and earning widespread recognition. Sadly, those days are gone.
The state’s once-prominent name has all but disappeared from leaderboards, signaling a dramatic decline in performance, preparation, and overall commitment to sports development.
While a gentle approach can sometimes foster collaboration, in this context it risks creating a vacuum where accountability is weak, decisions are delayed, and initiatives fail to achieve their intended impact.
The lack of decisive action threatens athlete development, the competitiveness of local teams, and the overall growth of sports in the state.
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Without a strategic, results-driven approach, Kano risks falling behind other states that are investing in structured programs, modern facilities, and robust talent development pathways.
The recent performance of Kano State at the just-concluded 3rd National Para Games, where the state finished 14th with only one gold, five silver, and five bronze medals, serves as a stark indicator that something is fundamentally wrong with the management and development of sports in the state.
It is on record that Kano State performed admirably in the first and second editions of the National Para Games, finishing third overall and securing numerous gold, silver, and bronze medals. Such achievements reflected a well-structured sports program, effective athlete preparation, and strong administrative oversight.
However, the sharp decline in recent performances is deeply troubling. It raises serious questions about what has gone wrong and why the state has been unable to maintain its earlier standards.
Understanding the root causes of this poor performance is essential if corrective measures are to be implemented effectively and the state’s sports program is to be restored to its former strength and competitiveness.
This low ranking, far below expectations for a state of Kano’s size and population, highlights deep-rooted issues ranging from inadequate training programs and poor talent identification to insufficient investment in athletes and facilities.
The decline has been so severe that even the staff of the Kano State Sports Commission, along with the sports journalists covering them, appear hesitant or even fearful to disclose the state’s actual standing in Abuja.
This reluctance to report openly suggests a climate of unease and raises serious questions about accountability, transparency, and the leadership guiding sports in the state.
Clearly, something has gone wrong, and the continued lack of candid reporting only compounds the perception of mismanagement and underperformance.
If the state continues on this trajectory, it risks arriving at the National Sports Festival underprepared, with athletes inadequately trained and support structures insufficiently strengthened a scenario that could further undermine Kano’s reputation and performance on the national stage.
With only a few months remaining until this year’s National Sports Festival in Enugu State, Kano’s current standing sends a worrying signal, reflecting a lack of seriousness and preparedness for the challenges ahead.
My attempts to secure a comment from the Acting Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission proved unsuccessful, as I was informed that he was engaged in a strategic meeting with senior members of the commission’s management team.
While this unavailability is understandable, it unfortunately delayed any immediate clarification on the state’s current sports performance and left pressing questions about Kano’s decline unanswered.
What is urgently needed now is a balance: firm leadership that enforces standards, coupled with supportive measures that nurture talent and ensure the sustainable growth of sports across the state.
Kano must urgently set a clear date and roadmap for corrective action, ensuring that athletes, coaches, and administrators are equipped to reclaim the state’s once-prominent place in national competitions.
