Kano to Host 19 Northern States , FCT as Renewed Hope Football Cup Offers ₦17m Prize Money
Kano State is set to host the 2026 Renewed Hope Football Cup in September, with the two-week interstate tournament bringing together young footballers from Nigeria’s 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The tournament, organised under the theme “The Game Changer,” is expected to use football as a tool for promoting peace, unity, youth development and social cohesion across Northern Nigeria.
According to the Special Adviser on Sports and Youth Development to the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Sani Musa Danja, the competition is designed to positively engage young people, discourage involvement in social vices and strengthen relationships among youths from different communities.
The Technical Director of the tournament, Dr Abdulgafar Oladimeji, said the competition will also support grassroots football development by providing opportunities for emerging talents while improving the capacity of coaches and support staff.
He added that the tournament would promote social interaction and contribute to economic activity within the host communities.
The competition will begin with a group-stage format before progressing to the knockout rounds, with the grand final scheduled to be played at the Sani Abacha Indoor Stadium in Kano.
₦17 Million Prize Money at Stake
A total of ₦17 million has been allocated as prize money for the top three teams.
Winner: ₦10 million
Runner-up: ₦5 million
Third place: ₦2 million
The organisers said the prize money is intended to reward sporting excellence, encourage youth productivity through football and strengthen bonds among communities across Northern Nigeria.
With Kano preparing to welcome teams from across the region, the 2026 Renewed Hope Football Cup is expected to combine competitive football with a broader message of peace, unity and youth empowerment.
