By: Abdullahi Inuwa
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has celebrated the outstanding achievement of four Katsina-born footballers who helped secure the prestigious IberCup Estoril 2026 title in Lisbon, Portugal, describing their success as a proud moment for both Katsina State and Nigeria.
The players, representing the Katsina Football Academy through its partnership with Moonluck Football Academy, emerged champions after defeating GD AMB Football Club in the tournament’s final on July 4.
Earlier in the competition, the team recorded a hard-fought 1-0 victory over opponents from Guinea-Bissau, with Sadiq Salihu scoring the decisive goal that kept their title ambitions alive.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, Governor Radda said the triumph reflected the talent, discipline, determination and resilience of the young footballers, adding that they had once again showcased Katsina’s sporting potential on the global stage.
The governor commended the players, coaches and management of both Katsina Football Academy and Moonluck Football Academy for their commitment to excellence, noting that their achievement proved that the state is blessed with gifted youths capable of competing successfully at international level.
“This outstanding achievement is a clear demonstration that when young people are given the right support and opportunities, they can compete with the very best in the world. Your victory has brought honour to Katsina State and our country, and we are immensely proud of you,” Radda said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment and grassroots sports development, stressing that continued investment in sporting infrastructure and talent discovery would create more opportunities for young athletes to excel.
The governor also urged the victorious players to remain disciplined, focused and committed to greater success, assuring them of the state’s continued support in nurturing future champions.
Radda expressed confidence that the IberCup victory would serve as a springboard for even greater accomplishments by Katsina footballers on the international stage.
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