Niger Governor’s Cup kicks off November 6 as NSFA conducts draws

Niger Governor’s Cup kicks off November 6 as NSFA conducts draws




By Abubakar Hassan


The 2026 Niger State Governor’s Cup, tagged Farmer Governor’s Cup, Bida 2026, will kick off on November 6, with host Bida Local Government facing Rijau in the opening match.


The Chairman of the Niger State Football Association (NSFA), Comrade Ahmed Yusuf Fresh, announced this during the draws ceremony held at Bida Town Hall on Friday, October 16.




He assured the stakeholders, sponsors and participating teams that the NSFA would ensure a successful competition, stressing the need for strict adherence to football rules and regulations.


He appreciated the Ministry of Local Government, Community Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, the tournament’s major sponsor, for its continued support.


Declaring the draws open, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youths and Sports Development, Dr Nuhu Garba Ingaski, who represented the Commissioner, Hon. Isah Wakili, commended the NSFA for promoting football development in the state.


Dr. Ingaski said previous misunderstandings among stakeholders had been resolved, paving the way for stronger cooperation. He urged local government authorities to support their sports secretaries and ensure proper organisation of the competition.


He also called on the teams to embrace sportsmanship, discipline and fair play, noting that only one team could emerge champion.


The permanent secretary disclosed that work was ongoing on the Aliyu Ndayako Memorial Stadium in Bida after the facility was handed over to the contractor. He expressed optimism that the project would be completed in time for the Governor’s Cup final.


He attributed the renovation of the Bako Kontagora Memorial Stadium in Minna, completed in 37 days, to the support of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and his administration.


The Chairman of Niger Tornadoes Football Club, Dr Abubakar Abdullahi Kuso, described the Governor’s Cup as an important platform for discovering and developing football talents.


Dr. Kuso said about 50 per cent of Niger Tornadoes’ current players were locally developed, adding that the club would deploy scouts to identify outstanding players during the competition.


He said the initiative was part of the club’s plan to build a sustainable team around home-grown talents.


The Chairman of Bida Local Government Council, Hon. Usman Mohammed Manko, assured the NSFA and other stakeholders of an enabling environment for a hitch-free tournament.


Hon. Manko said his administration’s Bida First agenda included reviving sporting activities, noting the residents’ strong passion for football. He thanked the NSFA for granting Bida the hosting rights.


Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, Community Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Director of Sports, Habib Dokochi, urged the teams to compete with discipline and respect for one another.


Dokochi commended the organisers and expressed confidence that the 2026 edition would be successful.


The 25 participating local government teams were grouped into six groups. Groups A to E have four teams each, while Group F has five teams.


Group A comprises Kontagora, Wushishi, Gbako and Mashegu; Group B has Chanchaga, Munya, Gurara and Mariga; while Borgu, Agaie, Agwara and Rafi make up Group C.


Group D consists of Lapai, Bosso, Paikoro and Katcha; Group E has Suleja, Magama, Edati and Tafa; while Group F comprises the host, Bida, Rijau, Shiroro, Lavun and Mokwa.


Two teams each will qualify from Groups A to E, while three teams will advance from Group F. Three best loser teams from Groups A to E will complete the Round of 16.


The Governor’s Cup is one of Niger State’s major grassroots football competitions, providing opportunities for local talents across the state’s 25 local government areas. Borgu local government is the defending champions of the tournament.

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