NATIONAL SPORTS FESTIVAL
Gateway Games 2024 Closes on a High Note, Sets New Standard for National Sports Festivals
The 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival, also known as the Gateway Games, has come to a close in Ogun State, marking a proud and historic moment for Nigeria’s sports community.
What began with a colourful and well-attended opening ceremony was brought to a fitting conclusion after days of intense competition, cultural celebration and youth participation.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who declared the Games open on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, described the event as a celebration of youth, diversity and national pride.
That message remained consistent throughout the festival as Ogun State welcomed over 10,000 athletes, coaches and officials from across the country.
A panoramic view of the glamorous closing ceremony
Governor Dapo Abiodun’s commitment to excellence was evident in the organization and infrastructure that supported the Games.
The quality of the facilities and the smooth coordination of sporting events show that Ogun State delivered what many now describe as the most successful edition in the history of the National Sports Festival.
The Governor was praised for creating an environment that placed youth, sports and national unity at the centre of the conversation, further solidifying his reputation as a leader who supports development through sports and a youth-friendly governor.
Delta State emerged as the overall winner of the Games, finishing with 126 gold medals, 100 Silver medals, and 111 Bronze Medals and topping the medal table.
However, the success of the Gateway Games extended beyond medals. Anambra, Kogi and the invited junior athletes received special recognition for promoting gender balance among their teams, reinforcing the festival’s broader message of inclusion and equal opportunity.
Royalty, pomp and pageantry on display!
Throughout the Games, there were standout performances and moments of resilience that reflected the strength and potential of Nigerian athletes.
The cultural displays, musical showcases, and community engagement also contributed to making the experience a memorable one for participants and spectators alike.
The support of partners and stakeholders played a crucial role in the festival’s success. Their involvement helped ensure a well-rounded event that celebrated both athletic performance and national identity.
As the curtain falls on Gateway Games 2024, it is clear that this edition has raised the bar for future festivals.
Ogun State has not only hosted a national event, but it has also created a lasting impression of what is possible when planning, purpose and people come together.
The legacy of the Gateway Games will live on, reminding everyone that the future of Nigerian sports remains strong and fi lled with promise.
If you want to relive the moments from the games, catch the memories on these handles:
Instagram: @thegatewaygames24
Facebook: Gateway Games
X (Twitter): @gatewaygames_24
YouTube: @GatewayGames-24
NATIONAL SPORTS FESTIVAL
Tragedy as 19 Team Kano athletes to the Gateway Games die in a motor accident
A trending video on social media platforms has indicated a tragic incident. It reported that 19 athletes of Team Kano have died.
This occurred while they were returning home from the just concluded National Sports Festival in Abeokuta.
It was gathered that the bus conveying the majority of the contingent crashed about 50 kilometres from Kano after passing Kaduna State
It was further gathered that the bus conveying the athletes might have skipped off the Dakatsalle bridge and fell off it.
The bus was carrying about 30 athletes.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
NATIONAL SPORTS FESTIVAL
Gateway Games: Nigeria needs to invest in girls ‘ grassroots sports —Funke Oshonaike
As the curtain falls on the 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged the Gateway Games, seven-time Olympian and Nigerian table tennis legend, Funke Oshonaike, has called for urgent investment in grassroots sports development, particularly for young girls, warning that without strategic support and funding, Nigeria risks stagnating in global table tennis.
During a surprise visit to the Alake Sports Centre, one of the venues for the Gateway Games, Oshonaike emphasised that while male players are making notable progress, the same cannot be said for their female counterparts.
“We need to build more girls in table tennis. The boys are doing well, but there’s been little improvement on the girls’ side. It’s still the same names we hear. We need fresh talent, and for that to happen, we must create more opportunities and competitions,” Oshonaike said.
The 25-time national champion decried the sharp decline in local tournaments, noting that the current calendar is inadequate for developing competitive athletes.
“In the past, we had about 10 to 12 competitions in a year. Now, we’re lucky to have even four. That’s not enough to grow world-class players,” she lamented.
She also stressed the need for international exposure, saying many talented Nigerian players are stuck competing only locally due to lack of funding.
“We can’t rely on just one name like Quadri Aruna to represent us globally. There are many gifted players, but without financial support, they can’t participate in international events or improve their rankings. We need to send them to junior and senior World Table Tennis (WTT) competitions,” she said.
Oshonaike, who was drawn to the festival after hearing glowing reports from her international network, praised the organizers and expressed joy at the enthusiasm within the sports hall.
“Yes, the hall is hot and crowded, but the energy here is beautiful. It’s amazing to see both local and foreign-based athletes competing. This shows table tennis is still very loved in Nigeria,” she noted.
Funke Oshonaike is a 25-time national champion, 11-time African Games medallist, and three-time continental champion.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
NATIONAL SPORTS FESTIVAL
Without your support, we would have achieved less, sports commissioner, Isiaka praises hattrick celebrating Gov Abiodun
Wasiu Isiaka, the commissioner for Sports in Ogun State, has praised his principal, Gov. Dapo Abiodun, for being the pillar that has made the state contingent to the 22nd National Sports Festival rise above expectation to place third among competing 38 teams.
Ogun State Commissioner for Sports, Wasiu Isiaka
“This is our best moment, and we shall build on it”, he told Sports Village Square. Team Ogun, a hitherto medium power, rose above expectations to beat some traditional National Sports Festival powerhouses and eventually came third.
Edo State and Lagos were some powerhouses that ran out of gas following the frenetic performance of Team Ogun.
“Great thanks to my governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun. He has been a source of inspiration,” Isiaka said. He congratulated the governor not just for the success of Team Ogun. He also acknowledged the helmsman’s 65th birthday and sixth anniversary as governor of Ogun State.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Tragedy as 19 Team Kano athletes to the Gateway Games die in a motor accident
Gateway Games 2024 Closes on a High Note, Sets New Standard for National Sports Festivals
Super Falcons’ 10th title chase begins in Casablanca
- NATIONAL SPORTS FESTIVAL6 days ago
Ogun State citizens reap economic gains from the Gateway Games 2024
- NATIONAL SPORTS FESTIVAL1 week ago
LIVE MEDALS TABLE: Bayelsa maintains lead at Gateway Games
- NATIONAL SPORTS FESTIVAL1 week ago
22nd National Sports Festival: Golden Eaglets zoom into semi finals
- International Football1 week ago
Chelle rolls out his army for a twin battle in the UK and Russia
- Uncategorized7 days ago
Queens and Angels depart from the President Federation Cup
- NATIONAL SPORTS FESTIVAL4 days ago
Gateway Games 2024: MKO Abiola Sports Complex Set for Thrilling Football Finals
- NATIONAL SPORTS FESTIVAL6 days ago
Delta State tighten grip on the Gateway Games medals table
- NATIONAL SPORTS FESTIVAL1 week ago
LIVE TABLE: All states now on medals table as Delta play the catch-up role