The long-awaited and prestigious Chairman Cup football tournament has officially kicked off in Mokwa town, the headquarters of Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, marking a historic moment in the sporting history of the Local Government.
In a remarkable move to revive the prestigious competition after more than 24 years of absence, the Executive Chairman of Mokwa Local Government Council, Hon. Comr. (Amb.) Jibrin Abdullahi Muregi Dan Ajiyan Nupe, has sponsored the 2026 edition of the Chairman Cup.
The tournament officially commenced with an opening ceremony and kick-off attended by the Vice Chairperson of Mokwa Local Government Council, Hon. Rabiyat Alhassan Tyabo, who represented the Executive Chairman.
The opening match featured Team JAM against Jebba Ward Team and was officiated by a highly experienced FIFA-badged referee and one of Nigeria’s finest match officials, Abdullahi Abubakar. Team JAM emerged victorious with a 1–0 win over Jebba Ward Team.
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Chairman, Hon. Rabiyat Alhassan Tyabo stated that the revival of the prestigious football tournament demonstrates the Chairman’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, talent discovery, community development, and the promotion of peace and unity.
She noted that the competition is expected to provide a platform for discovering emerging football talents, create temporary employment opportunities, engage young people in meaningful activities, and contribute to reducing crime and other social vices across Mokwa Local Government Area.
Speaking on the significance of the tournament, Hon. Comr. (Amb.) Jibrin Abdullahi Muregi Dan Ajiyan Nupe reaffirmed that unity, peace, economic development, youth empowerment, and the overall progress of Mokwa Local Government Area remain non-negotiable priorities of his administration.
He emphasized that sports are a powerful tool for promoting peaceful coexistence, strengthening relationships among communities, and fostering unity among the people, while also providing young people with opportunities to develop their talents.
Hon. Jibrin Abdullahi Muregi expressed delight that a total of 49 registered football teams, comprising 1,187 players, will participate in the historic competition. This makes the 2026 Chairman Cup the biggest football tournament ever organized in the history of Mokwa Local Government Area.
He added that the overwhelming excitement and enthusiasm already being witnessed among football lovers, participating teams, and residents clearly demonstrate the importance of the competition and indicate that one of its major objectives—bringing the people together through sports—has already begun to be achieved.
On behalf of the Government and the good people of Mokwa Local Government Council, the Executive Chairman called on all participating teams, match officials, supporters, and spectators to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship throughout the competition.
He urged all stakeholders to avoid violence, respect match officials, observe the rules and regulations of the tournament, and promote peace and unity before, during, and after every match.
Hon. Comr. (Amb.) Jibrin Abdullahi Muregi further assured all participating teams of a level playing field, adequate support, and a transparent competition. He encouraged the teams to demonstrate discipline, teamwork, determination, and excellence as they compete for the ultimate prize.
The revival of the Chairman Cup is expected to further strengthen the role of sports in youth development and community engagement while creating a lasting legacy for football development in Mokwa Local Government Area.
Long Live Mokwa Local Government Area!
Long Live Niger State!
Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Haruna Saidu Kinbokun
Press Secretary to the Executive Chairman
Mokwa Local Government Council, Niger State
12 August 2026
