NATIONAL SPORTS FESTIVAL
Gateway Games 2024 Closes on a High Note, Sets New Standard for National Sports Festivals
The 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival, also known as the Gateway Games, has come to a close in Ogun State, marking a proud and historic moment for Nigeria’s sports community.
What began with a colourful and well-attended opening ceremony was brought to a fitting conclusion after days of intense competition, cultural celebration and youth participation.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who declared the Games open on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, described the event as a celebration of youth, diversity and national pride.
That message remained consistent throughout the festival as Ogun State welcomed over 10,000 athletes, coaches and officials from across the country.
A panoramic view of the glamorous closing ceremony
Governor Dapo Abiodun’s commitment to excellence was evident in the organization and infrastructure that supported the Games.
The quality of the facilities and the smooth coordination of sporting events show that Ogun State delivered what many now describe as the most successful edition in the history of the National Sports Festival.
The Governor was praised for creating an environment that placed youth, sports and national unity at the centre of the conversation, further solidifying his reputation as a leader who supports development through sports and a youth-friendly governor.
Delta State emerged as the overall winner of the Games, finishing with 126 gold medals, 100 Silver medals, and 111 Bronze Medals and topping the medal table.
However, the success of the Gateway Games extended beyond medals. Anambra, Kogi and the invited junior athletes received special recognition for promoting gender balance among their teams, reinforcing the festival’s broader message of inclusion and equal opportunity.
Royalty, pomp and pageantry on display!
Throughout the Games, there were standout performances and moments of resilience that reflected the strength and potential of Nigerian athletes.
The cultural displays, musical showcases, and community engagement also contributed to making the experience a memorable one for participants and spectators alike.
The support of partners and stakeholders played a crucial role in the festival’s success. Their involvement helped ensure a well-rounded event that celebrated both athletic performance and national identity.
As the curtain falls on Gateway Games 2024, it is clear that this edition has raised the bar for future festivals.
Ogun State has not only hosted a national event, but it has also created a lasting impression of what is possible when planning, purpose and people come together.
The legacy of the Gateway Games will live on, reminding everyone that the future of Nigerian sports remains strong and fi lled with promise.
If you want to relive the moments from the games, catch the memories on these handles:
Instagram: @thegatewaygames24
Facebook: Gateway Games
X (Twitter): @gatewaygames_24
YouTube: @GatewayGames-24
A seven-member management team has been inaugurated to manage the Rivers State contingent’s participation at the 2026 Niger Delta Games, scheduled to hold in Edo State.
Former Rivers State Sports Commissioner, Chris Green, who has served four terms in that role, was named chairman of the committee charged with overseeing the preparations and welfare of Team Rivers for the regional multi-sport event, tagged Edo 2026.
Other members of the team are Professor Ken Anugweje, Comrade Emma Ndah, Obia Inyengiyikabo and Awele Salubi, while Emmanuel Jaja will serve as the committee’s secretary. Veteran sports journalist Sammy Wejinya was also appointed Media Head and Director of Communications of the team.
Speaking shortly after the inauguration, Green urged members of the committee to deploy their vast experience and expertise to ensure that the Rivers State contingent performs creditably at the games.
“Only the best in their respective fields have been selected to serve in the team, and I want to use this opportunity to charge all the appointed members to bring their wealth of experience to bear as we open yet another vista in the chapter of sports in Rivers State,” Green said.
The 2026 Niger Delta Games, sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission, will be held in Benin City, Edo State, from February 20 to 27, 2026.
The games are expected to feature competitions in 17 sports, with events taking place at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium and other designated venues across the host city.
The Niger Delta Games bring together athletes from states in the oil-producing region and are aimed at promoting sports development, unity and youth engagement across the Niger Delta.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
The Leadership of the Africa Sports Management Association (ASMA) has joined others in mourning the 22 athletes of Kano State who died on their way back from the just concluded National Sports Festival.
In a statement signed by its president, Prof. Oluwaseun Omotayo, the association remarked that it received with shock the news of the fatal motor accident that claimed the lives of the 22 Kano State athletes.
“The purpose of this message is to express deepest condolences to the families and loved ones affected by the tragic accident.
“Africa Sports Management Association (ASMA) leadership commiserate with the National Sports Commission, the Main Organising Committee (MOC), Kano State Governor and the Kano State Sports Commission, Ogun State Governor and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and the entire Nigerian sports community “, the statement concluded.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
The Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the just concluded 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged Gateway Games 2024, has expressed condolences to the Kano State Government. They expressed sympathy for the tragic incident involving members of the Kano State contingent. These members were returning home after participating in the National Sports Festival held in Ogun State.
A bus conveying the athletes was said to have been involved in a crash at the Dakatsalle Bridge in the Kura Local Government area of Kano State after passing Kaduna state, claiming the lives of 21 athletes.
The Executive Secretary of the LOC, Dr Kweku A. Tandoh, remarked: “We are saddened by this incident, particularly with the death of these young people, budding stars who had a lot to give the country with their talent, skills, and creativity in sports.
“Words cannot adequately express the sorrow the LOC feels at this loss.
“We offer our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the families of the departed ones, and we pray that God will comfort the families.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
- WAFCON4 days ago
BREAKING: CAF Postpones WAFCON 2026
- OBITUARY5 days ago
Nigerian Sports Journalism Mourns Oyeniyi Oyeleke and Tonex Chukwu
- MLS1 week ago
Trump to Host Lionel Messi and Inter Miami at the White House
- World Cup5 days ago
‘I really don’t care’ if Iran plays in World Cup, Trump tells Politico
- World Cup4 days ago
Iraq’s World Cup Playoff in Doubt as War Disrupts Travel and Visa Processing
- FA Cup2 days ago
Eze thunderbolt guides Arsenal past Mansfield into FA Cup quarter-finals
- MLS3 days ago
Trump celebrates Messi
- World Cup3 days ago
World Cup 2026: U-20 World Cup Winner Ouahbi Takes Charge of Morocco’s Atlas Lions