By Amaechi Agbo

In a bid to enhance the operational effectiveness and overall performance of Nigerian athletes, the National Sports Commission’s (NSC) memorandum towards a fixed period for the National Sports Festival (NSF), as well as an affirmation of the Rules to streamline the number of sports at the Festival has been approved by the National Council on Sports.

The both memoranda were presented at the Extraordinary National Council of Sports meeting, that took place on Wednesday in Abeokuta, Ogun State and were approved accordingly.

In a communique signed by the Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, it noted that the Council gave its approval for the National Sports Festival to be held between November and December of the Festival year.

The decision was reached in order to align with international best practices, as it is essential to maintain a stable and predictable sports calendar for our traditional national competitions such as the National Sports Festival.

A fixed period for the NSF would improve organization, participant engagement, financial and logistical efficiency, and marketing and sponsorship opportunities of the NSF.

The Communique also stated that the Council reaffirmed its decision on Rule 11 (i), (ii), and (iii) of the 2024 National Sports Festival General Rules and Regulations, as reached at the Extraordinary Council Meeting held in Benin City, Edo State on Thursday, March 14, 2019.

The Rule 11(i) stated that a maximum of 32 sports shall feature at the Festival (27 compulsory and 5 optional).

Rule 11(ii) affirmed that the compulsory sports were selected based on their popularity in the 36 states, including the FCT, State entries in the sports in previous Festivals, and the standard of Nigeria’s participation in the sport at the international level.

Rule 11(iii) stated that the Host State is at liberty to select a maximum of 5 sports out of the 25 optional sports to make up the 32 sports to feature ag the Festival.

This move will help stabilize the number of sports at the multisports event, to mitigate irregular changes that may affect management and organization of the Games.

The Council commended the Federal Government for its dedication to developing sports in the country by establishing the NSC.

The Council also appreciated the Ogun State Government for their commitment to hosting the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival.

The 22nd National Sports Festival, Tagged Gateway Games, will take place from May 18-30, 2025 in Abeokuta, Ogun State.