Kano State Government is set to flag off the 2026 Renewed Hope Football Tournament drawing participants from across the 19 Northern States and Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The 2026 edition tagged “The Game Changer” being anchored by the office of the Special Adviser to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano state on Sports and Development.

Briefing Journalists on the tournament, the Special Adviser on Sport and Youth Development, Sani Musa Danja explained that the 2026 edition was designed to promote youth development.

Danja, said the youth football campaign that would be declared by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf will attract best football talents across the Northern states showcasing skills.

Danja said the fiesta that will kick off September was designed to promote peace, youth development while take the youths away from social vices among others.

He described the 2026 President Bola Ahmad Tinubu Renewed Hope cup as the first of its kind to encourage younger generation to push talent in sports.

“Now engaging youth in one thing or the other, bring peace and disabuse their mind from engaging in social vices and things that will harm the state or the country at large.

“So bringing all the 19 states, northern Nigeria together for this wonderful cup, Renewed Hope Cup, the Game Changer Tournament. This is first of its kind.

“We want to bring the youths of 19 northern states together on this very special football tournament, the Game Changer Tournament, which is backed by Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf.

“The Governor because of the love he has for Mr. President and the love he has for the youths, bringing them together in peace and unity. And that’s why he’s supporting this cause so that this tournament will start and finish in peace,” Danja said.

Also speaking, the Technical Director of the competition, Abdulgafar Oladimeji said the tournament would serve as a platform to build capacity of northern football and support staff towards grassroots sport development across the region.

He said the competition was also aimed to promote peace, social interaction, scout for fresh talents and boosting economy of the state.

Oladimeji also said the tournament was to project the renewed hope agenda in line with the sport development policy of the federal government.