The National Sports Commission (NSC) has announced Enugu State as the host of the 23rd edition of the National Sports Festival.
The Coal City State was confirmed the host state of the sporting festival after coming top in a competitive bidding process.
This marks the first time the South-East state will be hosting the biannual national sports fiesta since its inception in 1973.
With the selection of Enugu State for the 23rd edition, the festival promises to uphold its legacy of excellence and inclusivity as the host is expected to deliver a world-class event.
The biennial multi-sports event brings together thousands of athletes from across Nigeria’s 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory to celebrate sportsmanship, national unity and talent hunt.
Before Enugu State takes center stage, the 22nd edition of the festival is set to hold in January 2025 in Ogun State, with the ‘Gateway State’ already buzzing with pomp and pageantry as the tournament draw closer.
Former chairman of the local organising committee and now Director-General of NSC, Hon. Bukola Olapade, in statement on Friday by his Special Assistant on Media, Kola Daniel, revealed that the Gateway Games will host over 15,000 athletes.
He reaffirmed the NSC’s commitment to supporting Ogun State in delivering a premium tournament.
The 21st edition of the Games was held in Asaba, Delta State with over 11,000 athletes participating in the grand tournament.