Wednesday May 14, 2025 |
Hosts Ogun State will receive the Torch of Unity of the National Sports Festival on Thursday ahead of the commencement of the games in its capital city of Abeokuta on Friday, May 16.
The Torch of Unity completed its round across the other states of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on Tuesday, May 13, when it was received by the Oyo State Government.
Commissioner for Sports Development, Wasiu Isiaka, confirmed that it would be marked with a brief ceremony at the Sagamu Interchange.
“We are expecting the Torch of Unity on Thursday, and it will be received with a formal ceremony at the Sagamu Interchange ahead of the start of the games on Friday,” Isiaka told our correspondent.
The Torch of Unity was flagged off by President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, March 26, in Abuja before crisscrossing other states of the federation.
During the brief ceremony, Tinubu described sports as a unifying force and a catalyst for youth engagement, national cohesion, and economic growth.
Ahead of the 2024 National Sports Festival, tagged Gateway Games, the Ogun State Government has also promised to deliver the best sporting spectacle in the 52-year history of the multi-sports event.
“We are not just ready—we are determined to deliver the best National Sports Festival Nigeria has ever seen,” Isiaka said during the media tour of key venues, including the MKO Sports Complex and the Alake Sports Centre, which will host indoor games and handball competitions.
“The facilities speak for themselves. We are working around the clock to ensure every necessary structure is firmly in place. From infrastructure to logistics, we’re leaving no stone unturned.”
Over 15,000 athletes are expected to compete in both individual and team sports, which will offer a total of 2,150 medals in 549 events.
The multi-sport event, regarded as Nigeria’s version of the Olympics, is set to be one of the most expansive in the festival’s history, with 626 gold, 626 silver, and 898 bronze medals up for grabs.
A major new feature of NSF 2024 is the introduction of the Invited Junior Athletes category. This will allow junior athletes to compete alongside more experienced athletes, offering them an opportunity to exhibit their talent on a national stage.
