Curtain Closes on 22nd National Sports Festival: A Showcase of Sporting Excellence

The 22nd National Sports Festival, aptly themed “Gateway Games 2024,” has come to an end after 11 days of thrilling sporting action in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The closing ceremony, scheduled for Thursday at the MKO Sports Arena, promises to be another spectacular event, following the success of the opening ceremony.

The festival has showcased the country’s top athletes, with multiple sports competitions that highlighted their skills and talents. The games have also demonstrated Ogun State’s potential as a sporting hub, with state-of-the-art facilities and enthusiastic spectators.

The festival has been a huge success, with the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Ogun State Government working tirelessly to ensure an unforgettable experience for athletes, officials, and the media. The games have produced new records, shattered old ones, and discovered new talents, including the impressive performance of the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA).

The NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, has expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and the Ogun State Government for their support, which has made the festival a success. The NSC Director-General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, has also thanked the technocrats, athletes, and media for their contributions to the festival’s success.

The closing ceremony will feature a rich cultural display of Ogun State’s heritage, as the state officially passes the baton of hosting to Enugu State for the 23rd edition of the games in September 2026.

The Gateway Games 2024 has been a truly remarkable event, showcasing the best of Nigerian sports and culture. As the curtain closes on this edition, anticipation is building for the next edition in Enugu State.