National Sports Festival Gateway 2024

Oyo State Off to Strong Start at Gateway Games 2024 with Weightlifting Medals

Oyo State has quickly stamped its presence at the 22nd National Sports Festival, securing its first medals in weightlifting on the opening days of the competition.

Tobi Ishola, competing in the men’s 55kg category, claimed a silver medal in the clean and jerk and added a bronze in the total lift, showcasing both power and precision. His performance not only puts Oyo on the medals table early but also signals the state’s potential to contend across multiple events.

The early success has buoyed morale within the Oyo camp, with team officials expressing optimism about their athletes’ form. "This is just the beginning," one delegate remarked. "Our athletes have trained hard, and we expect more podium finishes."

Fans back home have taken to social media to celebrate Ishola’s achievement, with many calling it a sign of greater things to come. The Pacesetter State’s contingent, known for its competitive spirit in past editions, appears determined to improve on its previous standings.

As the Gateway Games unfold, all eyes will be on Oyo’s athletes to see if they can sustain this momentum. With events in athletics, boxing, and wrestling still ahead, the state’s medal prospects remain wide open.

Follow for more updates on Nigeria’s premier multi-sport event.

Cc Oyo Sports Update

*Top Nigerian Music icons Davido and Asa to perform at Opening Ceremony*

Organisers of the 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged Gateway Games, 2024, have announced that two of Nigeria's finest music Super stars Davido and Asa will perform live at the highly anticipated Opening ceremony of the Games at the MKO Sports Arena.

After months of top preparations and planning the Opening ceremony of the Sports Festival will go down today, Sunday 18th at the MKO stadium in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital by 5pm.

As part of activities to ensure the 2024 Gateway Games is one of the best organised festivals, World class activities and cultural displays have been lined up to light up the Games.

Director General of the National Sports Commission, NSC, Hon Bukola Olopade who doubles as the Chairman of the Main Organising Committee of the Games, said the stage is set for what is about to be the best organised Opening ceremonies in the history of the Festival.

" This is our own Olympics and from start to finish, the festival must portray that global feel, both in competition and organisation. This is why the National Sports Commission and the Ogun State Government have put up a World class event to mark the Opening ceremony today".

" I have spent the last two years saying Ogun state will host the best Festival but doubters never believed. Beyond the aesthetic you are seeing here today, which confirms to everyone what I have been saying, from the opening ceremony to the Games proper, you will be seeing the best".

" Also Beyond that, this is the first NSF ever that the first two days will be rancour free from hostel and feeding, So I am very excited about everything and what is even coming up later today in the Opening Ceremony".

" I might not reveal all but I can tell you that Davido will be closing it up and Asa will be starting it. However I will not disclose what will be in-between. Nigerians should just stay glued to their Television because they are about to witness an opening ceremony like never before", he concluded.

Signed
Kola Daniel,
S.A Media,
Office of the Director General of the NSC.
May 18th 2025

Bayelsa Sports Contingent Departs for National Sports Festival in Ogun

Igali Bids Farewell, Charges Team Bayelsa to Conquer

YENAGOA – The Bayelsa State contingent to the 22nd National Sports Festival in Ogun State has departed Yenagoa, with the Commissioner for Sports Development, Honourable Daniel Igali, sending strong words of encouragement to the team.

The delegation, led by the Director of Sports, Bayelsa State Sports Council, Sir Braveman Wodi, left the state capital on Friday.

In a farewell address, Honourable Igali expressed the state government’s unwavering support and optimism for a successful outing. He acknowledged that while some athletes were representing Bayelsa for the first time, the tournament presented a golden opportunity for them to make themselves and the state proud.

Igali urged the athletes to build on Bayelsa’s strong performances in previous editions of the competition, emphasising the need for a dominant display that would position the state as the best in Nigeria.

“Let me remind you that you’re carrying the hopes and aspirations of Bayelsa. The governor of our dear state is very optimistic about a good outing and is committed to encouraging you to excel without any hindrance,” Igali said.

In a show of solidarity, the Sports Commissioner wished the team a safe journey to Ogun State while reminding them to uphold the state’s reputation as good ambassadors. He noted that Bayelsa had become a household name in Nigeria’s sports industry and urged the athletes to maintain that legacy.

Bayelsa State finished second at the last edition of the National Sports Festival, held in Asaba, Delta State, in 2022. The team will now aim to surpass that achievement as they compete against other states in Ogun.

The moment we’ve all been waiting for is finally here!

You can already feel it in the air—excitement, pride, and that electric energy only a true festival of sports can bring.

Ise ti bere.

Let the games begin!

L-R: Zonal Coordinator, National Sports Commission, Mrs. Evelyn Fabunmi; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Team leader, Torch of Unity, Mrs. Mbora Ikana and Mr. Shedrack Weston, during the exchange of the Torch of Unity for the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival, tagged Gateway Games 2024 at the City Gate, Abeokuta-Sagamu Expressway on Thursday.

Kano Govt Tasks Athletes, Coaches on Good Conduct in Abeokuta

Kano State athletes, coaches, and officials heading to the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival tagged *"Gateway Games"* in Abeokuta, Ogun State, have been urged to be good ambassadors of the state.

The call was made by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by the Commissioner of Youth and Sports, Alhaji Mustapha Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, while addressing the state contingent before their departure to Ogun State.

He explained that nothing could be achieved without patience, endurance, and sportsmanship in any tournament, urging them to do their best.

The governor added that the present administration would continue to encourage and support sports to sustain the state’s high profile in sporting activities within Kano and Nigeria at large.

He warned the athletes and coaches to avoid anything capable of denting the state’s image before, during, and after the festival.

Earlier, the Acting Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Ibrahim Umar Fagge (FIFA), expressed gratitude to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the state Commissioner, Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, for their moral and financial support. He pledged that the commission would do everything possible to ensure the state excels in the fiesta.

Ibrahim Umar Fagge (FIFA) stated that all necessary measures had been put in place for the state’s success at the national festival.

Responding on behalf of the contingent, Solomon Yola thanked the governor and the state commissioner for their unflinching support, assuring that the athletes would give their best in the competition.

Over 200 contingent members, comprising athletes, coaches, and officials, will depart Kano for Abeokuta ahead of the festival.

Kano will compete in 17 events, including volleyball, football, handball, judo, athletics, boxing, cycling, karate, kung fu, swimming, and taekwondo, among others.

Team Kwara Set to Participate in 25 Sports, Departs Friday for Gateway Games 2024 in Abeokuta

The Kwara State contingent to the National Sports Festival, Gateway Games 2024, will depart Ilorin for Abeokuta on Friday, ahead of the official opening ceremony scheduled for Sunday.

Speaking during a media briefing at the Handball Court of the Kwara State Sports Commission, the Executive Chairman, Coach Bola Mogaji, announced that Team Kwara will feature in 25 sporting events, with 189 athletes set to represent the state.

Coach Mogaji disclosed that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has approved adequate funding and logistics to ensure the team’s successful participation, with a strong emphasis on achieving podium finishes.

He also urged athletes to shun any win-at-all-cost mentality that could lead to illicit drug use or unethical behaviour.

“With the level of preparation and commitment from our athletes and coaches, I am confident that Team Kwara will surpass its previous medal record,” he stated.

In her remarks, Team Captain Blessing Isaac affirmed that the athletes are fully prepared and committed to upholding the rules and regulations of the festival.

She appreciated the Sports Commission for its continued motivation and support leading into the two-week national sports fiesta.

Team Kwara will compete in several events, including Football, Swimming, Chess, Dart, Athletics, Badminton, Tennis, Volleyball, Wushu Kungfu, Taekwondo, Squash, Ayo, Wrestling, Boxing, Judo, Cricket, among others.

Gateway Games: Abiodun Receives Unity Touch, Says Ogun Ready to Host Nigeria

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Thursday received the Touch of Unity in readiness for the commencement of the 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged Gateway Games 2024.

Abiodun received the Touch from Dorcas Adesokan, winner of two gold medals at the 2014 African Youth Games and Women's Singles and Doubles Champion, at the City Gate along the Abeokuta-Siun-Sagamu Expressway.

Speaking at the event, the governor noted that the Touch, which traversed the states of the federation after it was handed over to the President of the National Sports Commission by President Bola Tinubu, embodies the collective aspirations of all Nigerians.

He said: "The Unity Touch, commencing its journey across the federation in March, symbolizes more than the forthcoming Gateway Games. It embodies our collective aspirations as a nation where diversity strengthens our unity and where our youths are empowered to shine on the global stage.

"For us in Ogun State, this Unity Touch encapsulates the essence of our mission, celebrating our nation's rich sporting heritage. It stands not merely as a symbol of sportsmanship but as a beacon of unity, peace, and the enduring spirit of every Nigerian."

He noted that apart from fostering an environment where collaboration, friendship, and mutual respect flourish, it also promotes unity in diversity, which are the core objectives of the sports festival.

"These are the core objectives of the National Sports Festival, which was established in 1973 to promote unity among Nigerians and reaffirm commitment to sportsmanship, resilience, and national cohesion," the governor added.

With the reception of the Touch, Governor Abiodun stated that it reinforced the state's renewed dedication to national unity, youth development, and celebration of rich diversity through sports.

"Hosting this prestigious event for the second time, Ogun State is indeed humbled and honored to receive the Touch of Unity. We are prepared to showcase a vibrant culture, exceptional hospitality, and the extraordinary talents of our athletes," he submitted.

Abiodun expressed the hope that the Touch would ignite love among Nigerian youths and act as a symbol of unity for all Nigerians and the nation.

The National Sports Festival begins on Friday.