Four footballers from Katsina State have emerged champions of the 2026 IberCup Estoril in Portugal after helping Moonluck Football Academy defeat GD AMB Football Club in the final of the prestigious international youth football tournament.
The Katsina-born players, representing the Katsina Football Academy through its partnership with Moonluck Football Academy, lifted the trophy following their victory in the final played on July 4 in Lisbon.
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umar Radda, congratulated the players on the feat, describing it as a proud moment for the state and Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, the governor said the triumph reflected the talent, discipline, determination and resilience of young footballers from the state.
The statement noted that the team had earlier secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over a side from Guinea-Bissau during the tournament, with Sadiq Salihu scoring the decisive goal that helped propel the academy’s successful campaign.
Radda commended the players, coaches and management of the Katsina Football Academy and Moonluck Football Academy for what he described as their dedication and commitment to developing young talents.
According to him, the achievement has once again demonstrated that Katsina possesses gifted young athletes capable of competing successfully on the global stage.
“This outstanding achievement is a clear demonstration that when young people are given the right support and opportunities, they can compete with the very best in the world. Your victory has brought honour to Katsina State and our country, and we are immensely proud of you,” the governor said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment and sports development, stressing that continued investment in grassroots sports would create more opportunities for young people to realise their potential and represent the state and the country in international competitions.
Radda also urged the victorious players to remain focused, disciplined and committed to excellence, assuring them of the government’s continued support in nurturing sporting talents across the state.
He expressed confidence that the IberCup triumph would serve as a springboard for greater accomplishments by Katsina footballers on the international stage.
