National Sports festiva;
Gateway Games’ stadium regains international status
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
The newly renovated MKO Abiola Sports Complex, which will host the opening ceremony of the 22nd National Sports Festival on Sunday, has started getting the dividends on the makeover that the stadium has received.
The last time that the stadium hosted an international match was on 27 March 2007 when the Super Eagles beat Uganda 1-0 in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
The only other Grade A international match at the stadium was Nigeria’s 2-0 defeat of Burundi on 23 January 1999 in another Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
The renovation of the stadium for the National Sports Festival has brought the arena back into international reckoning.
On Sunday, the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, declared that Nigeria’s senior female football team, the Super Falcons, will play the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon in an international friendly match at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta, on May 31st and June 3rd.
In addition, the arena will host Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Niger, Togo, Benin, Ghana, and Nigeria in a West Africa Football Union (WAFU) Under-17 Championship in September 2025.
Gusau made this known when he led other executive members of the NFF on a courtesy call to the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, in Abeokuta on Sunday.
“We are organizing a friendly match for our senior female national team, the Super Falcons, against the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon, which will take place at the end of this month.
“We have arranged two-legged matches; the first leg will be played on May 31st, and the second will be played on June 3rd.
“So, we plan to play the first match on May 31st at Remo Stars Stadium, and the second match will be played in Abeokuta, so the match on June 3rd will be held at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex.
As the acting President of WAFU B, I have tried to secure the hosting rights for the Under-17 qualifications from WAFU B, which will consist of about seven countries: Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Niger, Togo, Benin, Ghana, and Nigeria.
“We secured the hosting rights, and I informed them that we are going to host it in Ogun State,” he said.
Gusau also noted that the federation under his leadership had been able to sanitize the Nigeria Professional Football League.
“When we came on board, everybody knew you could not talk about the Nigeria Premier League because nobody could tell you when the league would start or when it would end.
“But we made a promise to ensure we do what is right, and we must do our best to make sure that the Nigeria Premier League aligns with other leagues around the world, and by this season, we were able to achieve that,” he said.
In his remarks, Governor Abiodun appreciated the management of the NFF for restructuring and repositioning the Premier League, which he said now occupies its pride of place among premier leagues all over the world.
Governor Abiodun also stated that his administration is working towards developing a sports economy in the state, saying that all hands are on deck to ensure that the National Sports Festival becomes a reference point in hosting festivals in the country.
The Governor also praised Remo Stars Football Club for lifting the Nigeria Professional Football League trophy, noting that it had been over twenty years since a football club from the state or the Southwest achieved such a feat.
“We will build an economy around sports, and I want to thank you for supporting us in that. Besides that fact, we are going to host the All-African Under-18 and Under-20 athletics in July, which will take place here because of the facilities we now have.
“You have also announced that there will be a few matches played here, and we are very excited about that. This will help us strengthen the sports economy that we have begun to ensure we sustain this stadium that we have built,” he said.
The Governor also pledged the support of his administration towards ensuring that the state-owned team reclaims its place of pride among the comity of football teams in the country.
“As a government, I want to pledge that we will do everything to support sports, particularly football. Our Gateway Football Club—whatever it is that we are going to do, whichever way—we will invest.
“Because they say charity begins at home, we couldn’t have made such an investment, and then they will not win the Premier League,” he said.
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President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday in Abuja, flagged off the Torch of Unity Movement for the 22nd National Sports Festival and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting and providing an enabling environment for sports development.
The sports festival tagged the Gateway Games, will take place in Ogun State from May 16 to May 30.
President Tinubu described sports as a unifying force and a catalyst for youth engagement, national cohesion, and economic growth.
The President called on the public and private sectors to actively contribute to Nigerian sports development, particularly in infrastructure expansion, talent identification, athlete nurturing, and sponsorship of sporting events.
He stressed that enhanced collaboration is essential for advancing the nation’s sporting potential and ensuring Nigeria remains a dominant force in global sports.
The President described the Torch of Unity as a symbol of peace, strength, and solidarity. The torch will herald the festival by travelling through all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
President Tinubu received the torch from the National Sports Commission Chairman, Shehu Dikko.
“Since the inception of the National Sports Festival in 1973, the games have been a veritable vehicle for the interaction and integration of our sportsmen and women.
“This festival provides a platform for all states and the FCT to showcase their sporting prowess under healthy competition, sportsmanship and friendly interaction to enhance and strengthen national unity.
“The games represent much more than just a competition of athletic skill; they embody the unity, strength, and resilience that define us as a nation.
“Every step we take together towards the festival is not merely an act of preparation for a sporting event, but a reaffirmation of our collective commitment to national building through sports,” the President stated.
The President recognised the contributions of Nigeria’s sporting legends and paid tribute to Olympic medallist and the National Torch Bearer, Falilat Ogunkoya.
He commended her dedication to promoting unity and sports excellence in Nigeria and Africa.
The President also extended his best wishes to the Super Eagles of Nigeria in their FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Zimbabwe Warriors in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, later on, Tuesday, expressing confidence in their ability to secure victory.
Governor Dapo Abiodun said Ogun State is fully prepared to host a world-class event, welcoming over 10,000 athletes in a festival designed to set new records.
He noted that elite Nigerian athletes such as Anthony Joshua and Tobi Amusan would grace the occasion, further reinforcing Nigeria’s status as a global sporting powerhouse.
“As Nelson Mandela once said, sports can change the world. They can inspire and unite people in a way that little else can.
“The unity torch, as it journeys across the federation, is not merely a symbol of the forthcoming games but a reflection of our shared aspirations and collective identity.
“As the proud host of the 22nd National Sports Festival, we are not only ready to host over 10,000 athletes and officials but also to warmly welcome guests and supporters from every corner of the federation.
“For the first time in the history of the National Sports Festival, all our athletes will be housed within a single purpose-built facility, ensuring comfort, convenience and camaraderie.
“Our sporting infrastructure meets international standards, and we have left no stone unturned in delivering a festival that will set new records in organisation, participation and excellence.
“Our facilities are ready, our people are enthusiastic, and our athletes are prepared to showcase the best Nigerian sporting talent to the world,” he said.
Governor Abiodun thanked President Tinubu for ensuring peace in Nigeria, emphasising that “without peace, there will be no sports festival.”
He commended the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the National Sports Commission (NSC), the Nigeria Olympic Committee and all stakeholders for their contributions to the success of the forthcoming festival.
The chairman of the NSC described the National Sports Festival as Nigeria’s version of the Olympic Games adding that for the first time, the Commission has invited the best junior athletes in the country to participate under its sponsorship.
He said these young athletes will compete under the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) category, marking a historic inclusion in the festival.
Later, at the forecourt of the Presidential Villa, the deputy governor of Delta State, Monday
Onyeme, representing Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, handed over the Festival Torch of Unity to the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko.
President Tinubu received the torch from Dikko, who in turn passed it to the chairman of the Main Organizing Committee, Bukola Olopade, who then entrusted it to Falilat Ogunkoya
Ogunkoya, the NationalTorch Bearer for its journey across the country.
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The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has urged the Federal Government and all sports stakeholders to show more commitment to harnessing the power of sports for national unity and building a future filled with opportunities for youths.
Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Amadin Desmond Enabulele
He stated this on Tuesday in Benin, while declaring open the South-South zonal eliminations for ball games ahead of the National Sports Festival, tagged, “Ogun 2025”.
Enabulele noted that sports have always been a powerful tool for unity, discipline, and youth empowerment, stressing
He described the zonal elimination games as a crucial stage on the journey to the National Sports Festival.
“As we gather here today, let us remember that beyond competition, this event is an opportunity to foster friendship, teamwork, and mutual respect among our young athletes and sports administrators in our zone and country.
“We must continue to harness the power of sports to unite our youths and build a future filled with opportunities for them.
“To our athletes from Edo, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Bayelsa, Rivers and Delta State, I urge you to compete with passion, determination, and sportsmanship.
“You are not just representing your states but also showcasing the strength and talent of the South-South region. Give it your best, and let your performance speak for itself,” Enabulele said.
Addressing officials and referees of the competition, the Edo Sports Commission boss emphasized the importance of fair play and impartiality in officiating.
“The credibility of this tournament depends on your integrity, and we expect nothing but unbiased and professional judgment to ensure that the best teams emerge victorious,” he said.
In his remarks, the Zonal Coordinator of National Sports Commission, Peter Njoku, revealed that a total of 688 (310 males and 378 females) athletes are competing in the eight team events.
Njoku expressed the confidence that athletes from the South-South will emerge winners at the National Sports Festival proper.
Athletes from the six States of the South-South zone, namely, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers Akwa Ibom and Cross River, are currently busy at various centers participating in the elimination.
In football, team Edo is currently ahead with two victories after recording 3-0 and 3-1 results against Bayelsa and Delta states respectively at the Crescent Club Field.
In the female category of football, team Edo girls piped Delta State 1-0.
In Handball (Male), Edo beat Akwa Ibom 28 -21.
In the game of Cricket, Edo defeated team Delta (Male) by 109 runs for the loss of 5 wickets at the end of 20.0 overs against Delta’s 47 runs for the loss of 15.2 overs in the second innings.
RESULTS OF 22ND NSF SOUTH-SOUTH ZONAL ELIMINATION.
—————————————-
DAY 1 (TUESDAY 25TH FEB
Abula
1.Bayelsa 1 – 2 Rivers (male)
2.Edo 1 – 2 Delta (male)
3.Bayelsa 1 – 2 (female)
4.Edo 0 – Delta 2 (female)
5. Rivers 2 – 0 Delta (male)
6.Delta 2 – 0 Bayelsa (female)
7. Delta 2 – 0 Rivers (female)
8. Delta 0 vs 3 Bayelsa (male)
9. Edo 0 vs 2 Rivers (male)
2. Basketball
1. Delta 46 – 67 Rivers (male)
2.Akwa Ibom 61 – 70 Edo (male)
3. Delta 31 – 46 Bayelsa (female)
4. Edo 39 – 66 Rivers (male)
3. Beach Volleyball
———————————
1.Delta 2 – 0 Akwa Ibom (male)
2.Bayelsa 2 – 0 Edo (…
Result for this evening’s matches for the Handball male event
1.Akwa Ibom 21-28 Edo
2. Delta 38-21Bayelsa
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National Sports festiva;
With the 50-day mark to Gateway Games 2024 approaching, Enugu State announced as the next hosts
As the planning towards the 22nd National Sports Festival holding in Ogun State gathers momentum, the National Sports Commission (NSC), owners of the sports fiesta, has announced Enugu State as the successor to games that will begin in January.
With Ogun State billed to host the next edition of the games in January 2025, this marks the first time the host of the subsequent Games is known before the end of the current Festival.
On Tuesday, it will be 50 days to the beginning of the edition that is holding in Ogun State. Already, a sporting hub of Ikenne, Ilishan, Sagamu and Abeokuta, is already bubbling as finishing touches are being put into the upgrading of facilities.
Bukola Olopade, the chairman of the Local Organising Committee who now wears an additional cap as NSC Director General has assured that Ogun State is set to deliver a sporting spectacle at Gateway Games 2024.
In a similar vein, the top management of the NSC announced Enugu State as the host of the 23rd edition of the National Sports Festival.
The Coal City State emerged top from a competitive bidding process and the state is set to deliver a world-class event.
The National Sports Festival, a biennial multi-sports event, brings together thousands of athletes from Nigeria’s 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory to celebrate sportsmanship, national unity and sporting excellence.
Olopade revealed that the Gateway Games will host over 15,000 athletes. He reaffirmed the NSC’s commitment to supporting Ogun State in delivering a premium tournament.
With Enugu’s selection for the 23rd edition, the festival promises to uphold its legacy of excellence, inclusivity, and showcasing the best of Nigerian sports talent, while unearthing talents good enough to fly the flag of the nation internationally.
This marks the first time the South-Eastern State will be staging the event since its inception in 1973.
The 21st edition of the Games was hosted by Asaba, Delta State, with over 11,000 athletes participating in the grand tournament.
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