Gov. Bagudu approves N60m for Kebbi United’s campaign for top-flight status

Gov. Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi has approved the release of N60 million to Kebbi United Football Club to help them secure promotion to the Nigerian football league’s top-flight.

Abubakar Chika-Ladan, Chairman of the state’s Football Association, disclosed this in a statement in Birnin Kebbi on Monday.

“The fund is to enable the club run its activities successfully in the 2022/2023 football season, aimed at gaining promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) by next season,” he said.

Chika-Ladan described the gesture as part of the Gov. Bagudu-led administration’s efforts towards a sustained empowerment of youths as well as the promotion of sports activities in the state.

The FA Chairman also said the governor has also approved N143.5 million for the operations of Kebbi United Football Academy in the 2022/2023.

“The governor mandated that the fund should be used to cater for the Under-13, Under-15, Under-17, Under-19 and Under-23 teams of the academy.

”This will be in collaboration with Break Management Agency of Portugal, which has been empowered by the State Government to serve as a management consultant,” he said.

Chika-Ladan noted that the academy, which was established in 2021, would begin the promotion of players of Kebbi origin to play in both national and international leagues.

He said this would be for their personal development and generate revenue for the state.

Chika-Ladan noted with satisfaction that, within one year, 12 players of Kebbi United and the Academy have been invited for trials in Europe and the Middle East.

”For now however, the results of their trials are being awaited.”

He added that one of the players, Sulaiman Garba-Kirki-Jega is currently with the national under-23 team, the Olympic Eagles.