Kano hosts 19 Northern States Referees, Assessors Fitness Test

By Ado Salisu, Kano

Kano State Sports Commission has concluded necessary arrangements towards the successful hosting of this year’s northern states Fitness Test for Referees and Assessors ahead of the Nigerian National League (NNL) and Nationwide League One (NLO).

Acting chairman of the state Sports Commission, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Fagge aka FIFA, stated this in an interview with newsmen on the Commission’s preparations for the event.

Alhaji Fagge revealed that the Commission, with other relevant associations, have designed and taken serious measures aimed at achieving the desired objectives.

He added that the state government, through the state Ministry of Youth and Sports, has already given the Commission green light towards the success of the event.

The acting chairman said that the programme which will commence from November 7th to 17th, 2025 is expected to hold at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata and over 1,500 Referees and Assessors are expected to attend the programme.

While applauding Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the state Commissioner of Youth and Sports, Alhaji Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso for their support morally and financially, he pledged that the Commission will continue to do its best towards projecting the good image of the state as far as sports is concerned in the state and the country at large.

He said the annual mandatory evaluation for Referees in the NNL and NLO categories, organized by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) Referees’ Committee, was part of the exercise to improve officiating in the Nigerian leagues.

He charged the participants to demonstrate excellence, discipline, resilience and unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of football officiating in Nigeria.

”The match officials need to be both mentally and physically in order to prepare for the challenges of the coming football season,” the chairman explained further.