Ibrahim Shuaibu
4 November 2008
Kano — The Former Chairman of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima has said that Kano State has all the credentials to be pick as one of the centres for next year's FIFA U-17 World Cup - 'Nigeria '09'.
Alhaji Galadima explained this to members of the state's Local Organising Committee (LOC) led by its chairman; Alhaji Ahmad Muhammad Mu'azu Kawu when they paid him a courtesy call over the weekend in Kano.
According to him, the state which in the past received commendation from the football governing body, FIFA for its wonderful organisation during Nigeria'99 and the Ghana/Nigeria 2000 African Cup of Nations, assured that with the calibre of the LOC members, the state will still maintain its impressive record.
Alhaji Galadima, who served as the chairman of the Kano sub-seat during Nigeria'99, further explained that after some years of hosting the championship, some of the facilities used are still in good shape.
He said that in terms of hotels, airport, spectatorship, security and conducive atmosphere, Kano sub-seat has an upper hand over the other centres currently in the race to host the world next year.
The former NFA chairman called on the state LOC to improve upon, especially the venue of the matches, Sani Abacha Stadium and the training pitches as their major focus in order to convince FIFA of their readiness to host the fiesta.
Alhaji Galadima, who is currently the chairman of Kano Pillars Continental Committee, however, pledged to assist the state LOC with a view to ensure that the state actualise the set objectives and charged them to redouble their efforts to make sure the successful and hitch-free tournament in the country.
Speaking, chairman of the Kano sub-seat, Alhaji Ahmad Muhammad Mu'azu Kawu said that they decided to visit him and solicited his support because they were aware of his antecedents in football.
Alhaji Kawu, who is also the Special Adviser to the Kano State Governor on Sports Development, said that his committee had already forward some recommendation on improvements to the Sani Abacha Stadium and training pitches before the FIFA officials visit in January.
He assured that his committee will do everything possible to ensure that the state was be picking as one of the centre during the championship and called on the people of the state to rally round the LOC and the state government toward achieving the desired goals.
While expressed appreciation to the state governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau for his unflinching support, he called on wealthy individuals and corporate organisation to supplement the efforts toward overall development of sporting activities in the country.
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