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The 22nd National Sports Festival, also known as the Gateway Games 2024, will come to a close on Thursday with a spectacular closing ceremony at the MKO Sports Arena in Abeokuta. After 11 days of thrilling competitions, the festival has showcased the country's top athletes and promising talents, with new records being set and old records being shattered. The festival has been a true showcase of sporting excellence, with Ogun state emerging as a sporting hub. The crowd that attended the male football final between Ogun state and Kwara State, which Ogun won 4-1, was a testament to the enthusiasm of the people. The festival has also produced new exciting young talents, including the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) who won some surprise medals. Throughout the festival, crowds filled every venue, from the Alake Sports Centre in Ijeja and Baptist Boys High School, to Obafemi Awolowo Square and Remo Stadium in Ikenne, as well as the NYSC Orientation Camp in Shagamu and Ilisan Town Hall in I...

Flag football, a sport new to Nigeria's National Sports Festival, was showcased as a demonstration sport at the ongoing Gateway Games, featuring teams from different states across the country.  The head of Public Relations and Communications at Showtime Flag, Esther Kalu spoke about the sport's introduction and future plans. A New Era for Flag Football in Nigeria Flag football's debut at the National Sports Festival marks a significant milestone for the sport in Nigeria. According to Esther Kalu, "If I had the opportunity to speak to them (the players), it's to let them know that what you have done here today by participating in the demonstration of Flag Football at the National Sports Festival is something that youths are looking for across the nation. I would encourage them to take it to the next dimension." Kalu highlighted the key differences between flag football and other similar sports, saying, "The variation typically for flag football is the non-...

The ongoing National Sports Festival in Abeokuta has received accolades from Ama-Ebi Ebikpolade Stow, Chairman of Bayelsa State Table Tennis Association and representative on the board of Nigeria Table Tennis Federation. According to Ama-ebi , the festival has been "colourful and intense," showcasing the preparedness of all participating states. Ama-Ebi Ebikpolade Stow,  Chairman of Bayelsa State Table Tennis Association and board member of Nigeria Table Tennis Federation. He commended the organizers for providing standard facilities and equipment for table tennis, saying, "They have got the floor, which is very necessary for the game of table tennis. And the tables, I can see they are top-notch. The butterfly is center full 25. So as far as the equipment goes, it's a standard one." However, Ama-ebi  noted that table tennis development in Nigeria still faces challenges, citing the need for support from the federal government and private sector involvement. ...

As the 2024 National Sports Festival in Ogun State continues to unearth talents and future champions, two bronze medals winner in Weightlifting event, Adamma Dorcas has stated that winning the medals at the Festival will motivate her to aim Higher.  Dorcas who won the two bronze medals in 49kg women category for Team Kano told Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF) media that she prepared well for the competition adding that the target was to win Gold.  "I came prepared for the festival. Winning bronze will motivate me to aim and go higher. My target was gold medal but since I didn't reach that, I will go back and train harder.", she said.  She expressed gratitude to her coaches and the Kano State Weightlifting Associatiom for their support and expressed optimism to upgrade her performance. "Our Coaches are wonderful. I can't thank them enough. I wouldn't say I regret not winning gold but like I said, this is a step towards greater success." Dorcas won h...

As preparations intensify for the much-anticipated National Sports Festival set to hold in Ogun State, the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olapade, has met with state delegates, assuring them of a groundbreaking event that will set new standards in the history of the games. In a spirited address, Hon. Olapade promised an opening ceremony that will be nothing short of spectacular, highlighting core values such as love, focus, discipline, and unity.  He emphasized that the festival will not only be a celebration of sports but also a testament to integrity. “Let medals be won with honor, not by crook,” he admonished, stressing the importance of fair play and true sportsmanship. He also lauded the Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, for his unwavering dedication to the success of the festival.  “Mallam Dikko has shown immense commitment and love for this project. That spirit must be cascaded down to every athlete and official,” he said. H...

The 22nd National Sports Festival, dubbed Gateway Games, kicked off with a spectacular opening ceremony that exuded energy, colour, and national pride. Among the dignitaries who graced the event was Ambassador Adewale Adeogun, National Coordinator,  Tinubu National Think-Tank (TNT) who praised the event's vibrant atmosphere and seamless organization, highlighting its potential to empower Nigerian youth. Ambassador Adeogun who is also a member of the Governing Council of Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta state praised the exceptional hosting of the National Sports Festival in Ogun State under Governor Dapo Abiodun's leadership, marking the first Sports Festival during President Tinubu's administration. He highlighted the event's infectious energy and flawless execution, noting the evident enthusiasm and delight among athletes, officials, and the local community. He was confident that Nigerian sports is in capable hands, led by the Chairman of the National Sp...

Seven-time champions Nigeria and hosts and four-time champions Egypt will both fight hard for the bronze medals when they clash in the third-place match of the ongoing Africa U20 Cup of Nations finals in Cairo on Sunday. Both teams were rated by pundits to emerge from their semi-final clashes, but the result went the other way and they are now due to play the losers’ final at the 30 June Air Defence Stadium in downtown Cairo. Morocco and South Africa will tango in a repeat of the 1997 Final, which the Atlas Cubs won 1-0 in Meknes. It is the fifth time that Nigeria, who won the title in 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989, 2005, 2011 and 2015 will be playing for the bronze medals. For Egypt, it will be the fourth time. Both have won the bronze medals three times previously. Also, both Nigeria and Egypt contested the 2005 Final in Cotonou, with the Flying Eagles coming out top following a 2-0 win. Isaac Promise (of blessed memory) scored both goals. As hosts in 1995, after losing their semi final tie...