By: Zaharadeen Saleh
The 39th edition of 2026/2027 Kano State Tofa Premier Football League season officially commenced at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano, marking the beginning of another exciting football campaign.
The ceremonial opening fixture featured an entertaining encounter between Kano Pillars U-15 and FC Sheshe. Kano Pillars U-15 secured a narrow 1-0 victory to claim the first win of the season.
The new campaign also marks the return of the league’s full 20-clubs, divided into two group with 9-match format.Speaking at the opening ceremony, the league’s sponsor, Alhaji Isyaku Umar Tofa, OON, expressed satisfaction with the level of talent displayed by the young players.
He said he hopes the competition will continue to produce professional footballers who will represent Kano State and Nigeria at higher levels.
The founder of the Tofa Premier League and Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Alhaji Tukur Muhammad Babangida, said the competition was established in 1987 and has grown steadily over the past 39 years with the continuous support of its sponsor, Alhaji Isyaku Umar Tofa.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Kano State Football Association (KSFA) and member of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Sharif Rabi’u Inuwa Ahlan, said the association has introduced several reforms aimed at raising the standard of the competition to meet international best practices.
The opening ceremony attracted dignitaries from within Kano State and across the country, highlighting the importance of the Tofa Premier League in youth football development.
The league is widely regarded as one of the leading grassroots football competitions in Kano State, providing a platform for young players to develop their skills and pursue professional football careers.
