As Nigeria gears up for the 22nd National Sports Festival, dubbed the “Gateway Games,” slated for May 16-30, 2025, in Ogun State, the nation’s six geopolitical zones have erupted into a flurry of competitive action. The zonal eliminations, a critical precursor to the main event, began in late February 2025 and are now in full swing as of March 2, 2025. These playoffs, designed to determine which state teams qualify for the prestigious festival, have drawn athletes, officials, and spectators to various host cities, including Ibadan, Benin, Enugu, Kaduna, Jos, and Yobe. With eight team sports on the line—basketball, football, volleyball, beach volleyball, hockey, handball, cricket, and abula—the stakes are high, and the energy is palpable.
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A Nationwide Battle for Supremacy
The zonal eliminations, which ran from February 23 to February 28, 2025, marked a pivotal phase in Nigeria’s biennial multi-sport spectacle. Organized by the National Sports Commission (NSC), these regional contests pit states within each zone against one another, ensuring only the strongest teams advance. The South-West zone, hosted in Ibadan, saw fierce clashes at venues like Liberty Stadium and Ilaji Sports Resort, where teams from Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Osun, and Ekiti vied for dominance. Meanwhile, in the South-South, 688 athletes converged on Benin’s Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, representing Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers (with Cross River arriving late). Similar scenes unfolded across the North-West (Kaduna), North-East (Yobe), North-Central (Jos), and South-East (Enugu), each zone showcasing its athletic talent.
The NSC leadership, under Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade, has been hands-on, visiting centers to oversee proceedings. Dikko, stationed in Kaduna, emphasized the eliminations’ importance, stating, “This stage is as crucial as the festival itself. We’re setting a new standard with global best practices.” Olopade, monitoring Ibadan, added, “The Gateway Games will redefine Nigeria’s sports ecosystem, and it starts with a flawless zonal phase.” Their presence underscores a renewed commitment to elevating the festival’s organization and impact.
Highlights from the Zones
In the South-West, Team Lagos emerged as an early frontrunner, dominating Day 1 with victories in basketball and volleyball. Lekan Fatodu, Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, expressed confidence in a clean sweep, citing robust state support and rigorous training. Osun’s contingent, departing Osogbo on February 24, also showed promise, with General Manager Rotimi Dunmoye leading a disciplined squad across multiple sports. Oyo State, leveraging its home advantage, drew enthusiastic crowds, boosting morale as athletes competed under the watchful eyes of local fans.
The South-South eliminations in Benin highlighted the region’s depth, with 378 male and 310 female athletes battling it out. Zonal Coordinator Peter Njoku described the event as “a celebration of unity and talent,” urging participants to embody sportsmanship. Edo State, the host, flexed its organizational muscle, though Cross River’s delayed arrival hinted at logistical hiccups. In the North-East, Yobe State’s Damaturu hosted a spirited opening, with Governor Mai Mala Buni (represented by Mohammed M. Balumi) pledging a safe and successful tournament. Athletes from Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe showcased resilience, undeterred by the region’s security challenges.
The Stakes Beyond the Scoreboard
The National Sports Festival, Nigeria’s premier multi-sport event, has historically been a breeding ground for talent and a barometer of state pride. However, the 2025 edition carries added weight following its postponement from January to May—a decision driven by the NSC’s technical committee to implement world-class upgrades. The zonal eliminations are the first test of this ambition, filtering out underperformers and setting the stage for a festival that Olopade predicts will be “one of the best-organized in history.”
Beyond qualification, these playoffs offer economic and social dividends. Host cities buzz with activity as hotels fill, vendors thrive, and local pride swells. In Ibadan, for instance, the influx of teams has revitalized sports infrastructure, with Liberty Stadium regaining its status as a regional hub. In Yobe, the event doubles as a platform to promote peace and hospitality, countering negative stereotypes with a display of athletic unity.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the excitement, the eliminations have not been without hurdles. Reports of uneven officiating surfaced in some zones, prompting calls for stricter oversight. In Benin, Njoku stressed fair play to referees, a sentiment echoed by athletes who fear bias could derail their dreams. Logistical delays, like Cross River’s late arrival, also highlight the need for tighter coordination—a challenge the NSC aims to address before May.
Yet, the eliminations also spotlight Nigeria’s untapped potential. Sports like abula, a traditional Yoruba game, and beach volleyball, gaining traction in coastal states, reflect the festival’s blend of heritage and modernity. For young athletes, a strong showing here could mean national exposure, scholarships, or even a shot at international competition—an enticing prospect in a country where sports often serve as a ladder out of poverty.
Looking Ahead to Ogun 2025
With the zonal phase wrapping up, attention now shifts to the main event. Ogun State, hosting its second festival (the first was in 1988), faces pressure to deliver a seamless experience. The Local Organising Committee, initially resistant to the postponement, has since rallied behind the NSC’s vision, promising top-tier facilities and a vibrant cultural showcase. The Gateway Games will feature over 30 sports, drawing thousands of athletes and cementing Ogun’s place in Nigeria’s sports legacy.
For now, the zonal eliminations have set the tone: competitive, chaotic, and captivating. As results trickle in, the final lineup will emerge, revealing which states have earned their ticket to Ogun. Fans, meanwhile, revel in the drama, from clutch victories to heartbreak defeats, all unfolding against the backdrop of a nation hungry for sporting glory.
A Call to Rally
As of March 2, 2025, the NSC and state sports councils are urging Nigerians to support their teams. Whether through prayers, cheers, or social media buzz, public backing could tip the scales in tight contests. For athletes, the journey from zonal playoffs to the national stage is a test of skill, grit, and heart—qualities that define Nigeria’s enduring love affair with sports. With May approaching, the Gateway Games loom as a promise of unity, excellence, and a new chapter in the country’s athletic story.
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