The 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival, tagged “Gateway Games,” officially commenced on Sunday with a vibrant and captivating opening ceremony held at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta.
An estimated 10,000 enthusiastic spectators filled the stadium, witnessing a spectacular showcase of Ogun State’s rich culture and the spirit of Nigerian athleticism.
The opening ceremony, a dazzling affair that spanned over four hours, began with soul-stirring renditions of the Nigerian and Ogun State anthems by the acclaimed singer-songwriter, Asa, also known as Bukola Elemide.
Her powerful performance set the tone for an evening filled with entertainment and national pride.
The atmosphere in the arena continued to build with a series of captivating performances that highlighted the artistic talent of the host state. This was followed by the highly anticipated march past of the contingents representing all 36 states of Nigeria, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the Invited Junior Athletes, who were warmly recognized as the “38th state” in this edition of the festival. The parade of athletes, adorned in their state colours, was a vibrant display of unity and sporting ambition.
The grand finale of the opening ceremony saw electrifying performance from Afrobeats superstar, Davido. The award-winning artist had the crowd on their feet as he delivered energetic hits from his recently released “5ive” album, alongside a medley of his popular classics, bringing the festivities to a thrilling close.
This edition of the National Sports Festival is set to be the largest in its history, with over 15,000 athletes competing across a wide range of individual and team sports. A total of 2,150 medals are up for grabs across 549 events, including 626 gold, 626 silver, and 898 bronze medals.
The sporting events will be hosted in various locations across Ogun State, including the state capital, Abeokuta, as well as Ikenne, Sagamu, and Ijebu-Ode, ensuring a widespread celebration of sportsmanship throughout the region.
The National Sports Festival, often referred to as Nigeria’s version of the Olympics, serves as a crucial platform for discovering and nurturing sporting talent across the nation, fostering unity and healthy competition among the states.
The colourful opening ceremony in Abeokuta has undoubtedly set the stage for an exciting and memorable edition of the Games.
