Sports
Unforgettable Start: Gateway Games 2024 Opens with World-Class Ceremony
By Joel Ajayi
Call it a gateway of excellence, a gateway of prosperity, or a symbol of national unity and peace—you won’t be wrong.
It was an evening filled with entertainment, laughter, and celebration as Nigerians came together to embrace the nation’s rich and diverse culture. The 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival, tagged Gateway Games 2024, kicked off on Sunday with what many have described as the most colorful and spectacular opening ceremony in the history of the games.
The event featured vibrant cultural displays showcasing Nigeria’s heritage, with electrifying musical performances that lit up the night. Renowned Nigerian artistes Asa and Davido headlined the ceremony—Asa opened with a soulful performance, while Davido brought the curtain down with an energetic and thrilling finale.
More than 10,000 athletes from the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, and the Invited Junior Athletes Team are competing in 33 sports disciplines. The festival will be held across multiple venues in Abeokuta, including the Alake Sports Centre, the newly renovated MKO Abiola Stadium, Remo Stars Stadium, and Babcock University Sports Complex.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, welcomed state delegates and assured them of a groundbreaking event that will set new standards in the history of Nigerian sports.
The sporting community, both at home and abroad, was captivated by the world-class spectacle, infused with rich cultural heritage and star-studded performances.
In his address, Hon. Olopade emphasized the core values of the festival—love, focus, discipline, and unity. He noted that the festival is not just a sporting event, but a celebration of integrity and sportsmanship.
“Let medals be won with honor, not by crook,” he urged, stressing the importance of fair play and true athletic spirit.
The DG acknowledged the unwavering support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, whose vision and leadership he credited for the transformation currently taking place in Nigerian sports.
“We are where we are today—revamping, reshaping, and resetting our sports ecosystem—because of Mr. President’s vision. He is the reason the National Sports Festival now has a world-class standard, and we will continue to thank him,” he said.
He also commended the Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, for his dedication to the success of the festival.
“Mallam Dikko has shown immense commitment and passion for this project. That spirit must be reflected in every athlete and official involved,” he added.
Hon. Olopade expressed deep appreciation to the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for his exceptional support in mobilizing resources and empowering stakeholders. He described the games as “a festival of modern times,” poised to place Ogun State on both the national and international sports map.
Welcoming participants to the state, Hon. Olopade concluded with emotion: “Welcome to my story—a game I bid for, a journey that has my name written all over it.”
As anticipation builds, Gateway Games 2024 is shaping up to be a landmark edition of the National Sports Festival—celebrating not just athletic excellence, but also unity, passion, and the enduring Nigerian spirit.
Sports
AACT 2026: 31 Days to Africa’s Big Sporting Gathering in Abuja
Joel Ajayi
The countdown to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) has officially entered the final month, with just 31 days to go before Africa’s leading women’s team golf championship tees off at the IBB International Golf & Country Club in Abuja.
In a statement signed by the AACT 2026Director of Communication Kayode Adeniyi on Friday in Abuja.
Under the theme “Africa Is Coming to Abuja,” the countdown campaign will spotlight the championship, the participating nations, the players, the host venue and the growing development of women’s golf across the continent.
The 2026 AACT, scheduled for November 2–7, will bring together women’s golfing talent from across Africa for six days of continental competition in Nigeria’s capital.
As preparations continue at the IBB International Golf & Country Club, attention is increasingly turning to Abuja, where the championship will provide a platform for African golfers to compete while also showcasing Nigeria’s hospitality and the country’s growing profile as a destination for major sporting events.
The countdown will feature daily stories, interviews, player and country profiles, tournament facts, behind-the-scenes updates and features on the host venue as the championship draws closer.
The campaign will also highlight the role of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), the Local Organising Committee and other stakeholders in preparing for the continental championship.
With just 31 days remaining, anticipation is building across the African golfing community as Abuja prepares to welcome the continent’s leading women golfers.
Africa is coming to Abuja.
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