By: Yahaya Sadisu Alkasim
The biggest and most prestigious pre-season tournament has come to a thrilling conclusion, with the grand finale graced by the presence of the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, OON, MON; (Dr.) Sharif Rabiu Inuwa Ahlan, OON, MON; Chairmen of various State Football Associations; and other distinguished football stakeholders from across the nation.
The Gusau/Ahlan Pre-Season Tournament was organised to provide NPFL and NNL clubs with a competitive platform to assess their squads, tactics and individual performances ahead of the new football season.
The tournament, previously known as the Ahlan Cup, has a rich history of promoting competitive football and attracting top teams and stakeholders. In one of its notable editions, the tournament hosted the Nigerian national team , the Super Eagles B (homebase), in Kano, where they emerged champions, and became runners-up in the homebase Nations Cup (CHAN) in Morocco.
The 5th Edition of the Gusau/Ahlan President Pre-Season Cup has now come to an end after an exciting final between Kwara United and Ranchers Bees FC of Kaduna.
It was a fantastic and distinguished encounter played in the presence of football’s governing authorities and numerous stakeholders. After a hard-fought contest, Ranchers Bees FC emerged champions following a competitive victory through penalty kicks.
Congratulations to Ranchers Bees FC of Kaduna on their well-deserved triumph!
Commiserations to Kwara United of Kwara State for their impressive performance and fighting spirit throughout the tournament.
The Gusau/Ahlan Pre-Season Tournament once again demonstrated its importance as a major platform for preparation, talent assessment, competition and the promotion of Nigerian football.
Congratulations to all participating clubs, organisers, officials and stakeholders who contributed to the success of the 2026 edition.
