Sports
Rugby Rejoins the Line-up for the 2024 National Sports Festival Tagged “Gateway Games”
Joel Ajayi
In a significant development for the sporting community in Nigeria, rugby has officially been readmitted into the 2024 National Sports Festival, themed “Gateway Games”, scheduled to take place in Ogun State from May 16th to 30th, 2025.
This decision comes following the approval of the Joint Technical Committee for the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival, who unanimously agreed on the inclusion of rugby after thorough evaluation.
The committee cited the game’s rising popularity, increased grassroots participation, and growing national followership as key factors behind this reinstatement.
Speaking on this exciting milestone, the President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF), Dr. Ademola Are, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Director General of the National Sports Commission and Chairman of the Main
Organising Committee, Chief Bukola Olopade, as well as the Honourable Commissioner for Sports Development in Ogun State, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, and the entire Joint Technical Committee. He commended their vision, commitment, and readiness to support the evolution and diversification of sports in Nigeria.
According to Dr. Are, the return of rugby to the festival is not just a win for the sport, but a golden opportunity for talent discovery and national team development. “With this development, Nigerians can once again experience the thrill of top-level rugby at the festival.
More importantly, national team selectors will be present at the games to scout for promising talents as we prepare for the prestigious Africa Cup Sevens, scheduled to hold in Mauritius from June 18th to 23rd, 2025,” he stated.
The readmittance of rugby into the festival’s roster is expected to bring renewed excitement to rugby fans and stakeholders across the country. It marks a promising step forward in the sport’s growth trajectory and underscores the National Sports Festival’s role as a catalyst for talent discovery and sports development in Nigeria.
With Ogun State set to host the festival, all eyes are now on the Gateway State as preparations intensify for what promises to be a thrilling, inclusive, and talent-packed edition of Nigeria’s foremost multi-sport event.
Sports
Nigeria Volleyball Reporters Congratulates Oguntimehin On Election As Fct Swan Chairman
The Nigeria Volleyball Reporters Association (NVRA) has congratulated Tolu Oguntimehin on his election as Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter.
NVRA described his emergence as an opportunity to strengthen sports journalism and advance the welfare of members.
Oguntimehin emerged victorious at the FCT SWAN elective congress held on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, defeating his challenger, Raphael Ekpang, by 88 votes to four.
In a congratulatory message, the Chairman of Nigeria Volleyball Reporters, Alhaji Ganiyu Oloyede described the election outcome as a testament to the confidence reposed in Oguntimehin by members of the association.
Oloyede expressed optimism that the new chairman would bring purposeful leadership, inclusiveness and renewed commitment to the development of sports journalism in the FCT.
He stressed that the responsibility of leading the association goes beyond occupying an office.
Oloyede noted that the new administration must prioritise members’ welfare, professional development, unity and the protection of their collective interests.
The NVR chairman also challenged the incoming leadership to create an enabling environment where sports journalists can thrive professionally, gain greater access to sporting events and contribute meaningfully to the growth of Nigerian sports.
He particularly welcomed Oguntimehin’s commitment to establishing a ₦200 million financial base for the association, describing the proposed initiative as an ambitious step towards building a financially stronger and more sustainable SWAN FCT.
Oloyede further emphasised the importance of collaboration among sports journalists, sports federations, government institutions and other stakeholders, maintaining that stronger partnerships would create more opportunities for members and improve the quality of sports reporting.
He urged the new executive to embrace transparency, accountability and open communication while ensuring that every member feels represented in the administration.
The Nigeria Volleyball Reporters reaffirmed its readiness to work with the new SWAN FCT leadership in promoting sports journalism, strengthening professional relationships and projecting Nigerian sports positively.
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