By BANNERNEWS Reporter
Teams from Niger, Chad, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, Senegal, and Mali have arrived in Hadejia, Jigawa State, for the 2026 International Horse Racing competition.
Organised by the Horse Racing Federation of Nigeria in collaboration with the Hadejia Turf Club, the tournament aims to strengthen regional ties and revive traditional culture across West and North Africa.
Participants and spectators from across the region are witnessing top-tier competition as teams from Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, Senegal, and Mali showcase their skills.
At the opening ceremony, the Emir of Hadejia, Alhaji Dr. Adamu Abubakar Maje (CON), expressed his delight at the tournament’s launch, describing it as a major achievement for the state. He noted that the event promotes cultural heritage while boosting local economic activities and commended the Jigawa State Government, philanthropists, and the Local Organizing Committee for their efforts.
Alhaji Tajuddeen Aminu Dantata, National Chairman of the Horse Racing Federation of Nigeria, outlined the broader vision behind the competition. Represented by the federation’s National Deputy Coordinator, Alhaji Usman Maude (Sarkin Dawakin Zazzau), he explained that the tournament seeks to revive traditional sports, foster economic growth, and strengthen diplomatic and social ties among neighboring African countries.
The races are structured into seven categories to maintain professional standards: Barga, Hadejia Area, Arewan Nigeria, Tolo, Arewan Niger, Sudan, and Niger Bridge, the Chairman added.
Earlier, Alhaji Usman Abubakar Kariya (Sarkin Arewan Hadejia), coordinator of the Hadejia Local Organizing Committee, welcomed dignitaries including traditional rulers such as the Emirs of Nguru and Machina from Yobe State, along with numerous titleholders from Jigawa and beyond.
The week-long competition will culminate in a grand finale on Saturday, January 17, 2026.
