BEACH SOCCER: UBA SANI IS REJUVENATING SPORTS IN KADUNA STATE

Nigeria’s Super Sand Eagles battled Ghana’s Black Sharks to an exciting 3–3 draw in the first leg of the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers at Murtala Muhammed Square, Kaduna, on Saturday, October 10. Nigeria’s Isa Hamza Manga stole the spotlight with a brilliant hat-trick, while Mawuli Sosu scored twice for Ghana before Wise Nyamadi completed the visitors’ tally.

Beyond the action on the sand, the international fixture highlights Kaduna’s growing role as a destination for major sporting events and reflects ongoing efforts under Governor Uba Sani’s administration to rejuvenate the state’s sporting sector.

Kaduna’s hosting of Nigeria’s Super Sand Eagles for a training camp, international friendlies against Senegal and the AFCON qualifying fixture against Ghana demonstrates the practical value of creating an enabling environment for competition.

These engagements offer Nigerian athletes opportunities to prepare and compete at a high level while exposing Kaduna’s facilities and organisational capacity to national and international sporting stakeholders.

From the reconstruction of Ahmadu Bello Stadium to the rehabilitation of sporting facilities such as the Kaduna Township Stadium and the hosting of high-profile competitions, the administration is taking steps to revive Kaduna’s rich sporting heritage.

These efforts can create opportunities for young talents, stimulate local businesses and restore Kaduna’s standing as a centre for sporting excellence.

Governor Uba Sani’s sports development agenda goes beyond stadium reconstruction. It encompasses the revival of Kaduna’s sporting culture, the encouragement of grassroots participation, the discovery and nurturing of young talent, improved opportunities for athletes and stronger partnerships with sports associations and relevant institutions.

The administration’s engagement with former Nigerian football internationals, including its recognition of the contributions of Kaduna-born members of the 1996 Olympic gold-medal-winning team, also highlights the importance of honouring sporting excellence and reconnecting experienced professionals with the state’s sporting future.

Under Governor Uba Sani, Kaduna’s sporting revival is gaining momentum, driven by infrastructure development, talent nurturing and a renewed ambition to position the state on Nigeria’s sporting map.