Kano — Former Nigeria Football Association (NFA) Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima has called for the recognition of sports icons in the country, saying that rewarding such sports personalities will contribute to the nation's sports development.

Galadima, made the call yesterday during a courtesy call on him by the organizers of the Husaini Alabi Gala Cup 2012, at his residence in Kano.

According to him, "sport heroes deserve to be honoured because they serve as inspiration to upcoming athletes. Retired athletes who have made their marks are a great source of inspiration to those who are still active".

The delegation, which was led by the chairman of the committee, Abdulgafar Oladimeji, said the purpose of the visit was to seek Galadima's blessing on the final and third place matches of the tournament, which is to begin on December 2 at Kano Pillars Stadium.