The 22nd National Sports Festival, also known as the Gateway Games 2024, has finally kicked off in Ogun State after months of postponements.
Originally scheduled for November 2024, the festival was shifted to January 2025 before settling on its current dates — 16 to 30 May. The excitement is high as athletes, fans, and dignitaries gather in Abeokuta and surrounding venues to witness Nigeria’s biggest multi-sport event.
The National Sports Festival is often referred to as “Nigeria’s Olympics” because it brings together athletes from across the country. It promotes unity, showcases talent, and celebrates the country’s rich culture through sports.
Opening Ceremony Dazzles With Music, Culture and Dignitaries
The opening ceremony took place on Sunday evening at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta. It featured cultural displays, musical performances, and the parade of states.
Popular artists Davido, Asa, and emerging talent Meekay thrilled the audience. There was also a buzz about Afrobeats star Asake possibly performing, as he had been spotted at the stadium.
Vice President Kashim Shettima declared the festival open on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He said, “Sports remains one of the most powerful forces for national cohesion.”
Despite earlier rainfall, the crowd poured in. Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Ekiti Deputy Governor, Anambra Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and former President Olusegun Obasanjo were among the top dignitaries present.
Others included former Ogun Governors Segun Osoba and Gbenga Daniel, former Speaker Dimeji Bankole, Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, and record-holding chess player Tunde Onakoya.
Teen Weightlifters Amaze at Festival’s First Competitive Event
In a thrilling start to the sports competitions, two teenage girls shocked spectators in the women’s 45kg weightlifting event.
Amarachi Chijioke and Scholastical Tekumbur, both from the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) team, beat older competitors to win two golds, one silver, and one bronze medal.
The event was held at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Sagamu. Chijioke won two gold medals in clean and jerk with a best lift of 82kg. Her total of 146kg secured the top spot.
Tekumbur added a bronze in clean and jerk with a 78kg lift. Rivers’ Christina Allorima won silver with 81kg.
In the snatch event, Lagos State’s Ronke Olarinoye grabbed gold with a 65kg lift. Chijioke came second with 64kg, while Allorima took bronze with 61kg.
Olarinoye’s gold, awarded at 12:57 p.m., may be the first official gold medal of the Games pending confirmation.
IJA Team Shines as “38th State” at the Games
The IJA contingent was introduced to promote young talent. They are made up of over 100 teenagers selected from all over Nigeria. They are competing in various sports including athletics, football, swimming, and weightlifting.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, explained the reason behind the IJA.
“We created the Invited Junior Athletes concept because we believe in the talents of young people who are bound in this country,” he said.
“If you have gone to the Youth Games and you are a champion, let us then see how you grow into the elite cadre.”
This early success from the teenagers has shown that the future of Nigerian sports is bright and bold.
Massive Participation and Medal Hunt Begins
The National Sports Festival features more than 15,000 athletes. They are competing in 549 events across different sports, with over 2,150 medals to be won.
Apart from weightlifting, other sports like kung fu, deaf badminton, and regular badminton also started in venues like Ikenne and Abeokuta.
With all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory represented, the festival promises an exciting two weeks of sports, competition, and cultural bonding.
The Gateway Games 2024 has begun with energy, pride, and the unexpected — and it looks like Nigeria’s next sports heroes may be teenagers with dreams and strength.
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