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Kano Hosts Stakeholders' Meeting on 2026 World Cup Preparations

By Muzammil Dalha Yola

‎Football stakeholders converged in Kano State, North West Nigeria, to strategize on their possible contributions to the 2026 World Cup. The stakeholders' meeting, held at the American Space, Kano Library Complex, Ahmadu Bello Way, was organized by Sahel Sports News in collaboration with the Kano state Library Board, powered by Fortress Centre for Human Rights and Peace Initiative Network.

‎The meeting, themed "Building Peace Through Sports," aimed to promote unity and development through sports. In his address of welcome, Chief Kasali Obanoyen, Editor-in-Chief of Sahel Sports News, expressed his happiness for the meeting, describing it as "first of its kind in the region."

‎Obanoyen, who participated in the meeting through a phone call from the United States of America, lamented the dwindling sports facilities in the country and urged governments to support sports development. He emphasized that despite Nigeria's failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, stakeholders should not be discouraged, but rather focus on preparing for future tournaments.

The Editor-in-Chief commended Dr. Abdulgafar Oladimeji for his vision in organizing the forum, stating that the meeting was unique in preparing the gateway and access to information and dissemination of how things will reach out to Nigeria and beyond.

‎Alhaji Aliyu Abdullahi Sumaila, Chairman of the Kano Chapter of the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria, commended the theme of the meeting, saying it was crucial in promoting peace and development in the society. He emphasized the importance of telling Nigeria's story through sports and urged the media to focus on promoting sports development.

‎Dr. Abdulgafar Oladimeji, News Editor of Sahel Sports News, urged media practitioners in Kano State to get involved in sports journalism and take advantage of opportunities presented by the 2026 World Cup. He emphasized the need for stakeholders to organize themselves to benefit from the World Cup and encouraged participants to take responsibility for sports reportage.

‎The meeting featured keynote speeches, good-will messages, and interactive sessions, with participants discussing ways to contribute to Nigeria's sports development and preparations for the 2026 World Cup.

Comrade Abbas Ibrahim, former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kano Council, emphasized the critical role of journalists in shaping narratives that foster peace. He urged sports writers to write stories that promote peace among rival groups and to be mindful of the words they use.

‎Rilwanu Idris Maliksawa Garu, a member of the National Executive Committee of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), lamented Nigeria's absence from the 2026 World Cup, saying it was bad news for journalists and sports enthusiasts, and urged NFF and Governments to focus more on grass roots development. 

‎The stakeholders' meeting concluded with a call on journalists to use their platforms to promote peace and unity through sports, as preparations intensify ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

‎The meeting was a significant step towards promoting peace and development through sports in Nigeria, and stakeholders are optimistic that it will yield positive results in the country's sports development.

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