Sports

14 Days to Go: Ogun State Ready to Host Nigeria’s Biggest Sports Festival Yet

Published

1 day ago

May 2, 2025

Nearly two decades after making history in 2006, Ogun State is once again taking center stage. Back then, the Gateway Games left a lasting impression on the nation under the visionary leadership of the then Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel and then Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Bukola Olopade.

The much-anticipated 22nd National Sports Festival is now at our doorsteps, and excitement is reaching crescendo.

Athletes, coaches, fans, stakeholders, and sports enthusiasts across the country are gearing up for what promises to be Nigeria’s biggest sporting spectacle—the 2024 Gateway Games.

Today, in 2025, Olopade returns with double the influence—serving as both the Chairman of the Main Organizing Committee (MOC) and the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC).

From May 16th to 31st, Ogun State will welcome between 12,000 to 15,000 athletes from across Nigeria, competing in over 32 sports. Preparations are in top gear to deliver a festival that celebrates talent, unity, sportsmanship, and national pride.

The leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC) led by Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, has been instrumental in driving the momentum and vision behind the 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF). Known for his strategic acumen and results-oriented approach, Dikko has brought his wealth of experience to mobilize resources, foster collaboration across sectors, and set clear performance benchmarks as a strong foundation for the success of the Festival.

The legendary MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta now upgraded with brand-new tartan tracks and world-class facilities, will be the heart of the action. Its Olympic-sized swimming pool is set to host top-tier aquatic events, while the handball and tennis courts are sporting fresh, vibrant looks.

Elsewhere, the Alake Sports Centre in Ijeja, Abeokuta has undergone a major facelift, including improved flooring, roofing, lighting, and upgraded indoor arenas. The refurbished multi-sport complex is ready to host martial arts, squash, boxing, basketball, volleyball, badminton, and more.

Additional venues such as the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne, Abeokuta Sports Club, and Babcock University are also prepared to welcome participants. Babcock University, in particular, is primed to serve as a vibrant athletes’ village, offering accommodation, medical support, and catering services.

With facilities nearing completion and the finishing touches being applied to logistics, Ogun State is set to deliver a festival that will not only raise the bar but also leave athletes and fans with lifelong memories.

Gateway Games 2024 is more than a sporting event—it’s a celebration of Nigeria’s enduring spirit and a tribute to our nation’s rich sports heritage.

Let the countdown begin!

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Sports

Kenyans dominate Enugu City International Marathon as Koros Ken emerges overall winner

Published

10 hours ago

May 3, 2025

The Gleamer

Kenyan Runner Koros Ken has emerged the winner of the first edition of the Enugu City International Marathon, going home with 15,000 Dollars as Prize Money, in a total kenyan dominance in both the male and female categories.

Steve Rasway also of Kenya finished second with a prize money of 10,000 dollars while his country man Bernard Sang went home with 5000 dollars for finishing third.

It was a similar story in the women category when Shauline chepkiru koech of Kenya won the first prize.

Nigerian runner Davou Ezekiel from Jos finished first amongst the Nigerian runners winning the three million Naira Prize money allotted for the indigenous athletes.

The Marathon which lived up to the pre-event hype with the turn out of runners, fans and the level of organisation, had all the spices of a world class race.

Governor Peter Mbah who had colour to the event by participating in the 10km race said the race exceeds every expectation and he is very satisfied with both the participation and competition of the race.

” This race has shown us the power of Sports and what sports can do in galvanising our youth. I am really impressed with what i have seen and it has only motivated us as a state to put more efforts to make the race better and bigger next year”.

Over one hundred International Elite Athletes participated in the race with thousands of Nigerian runners also taking part and making history as the maiden Edition of the Enugu City International marathon ended in grand style.

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