Kano Contingent Touches Down In Ogun For The 22nd National Sports Festival, Gateway Games 2025
By Muzammil Dalha Yola
The Kano State contingent has successfully arrived in Abeokuta, the vibrant capital of Ogun State, in preparation for the highly anticipated 22nd National Sports Festival, known as the Gateway Games 2025. The delegation, comprised of 250 members, made the long journey safely on Saturday evening, led by the Acting Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar, popularly referred to as FIFA.
The diverse contingent includes athletes, coaches, medical personnel, organizing secretaries, and journalists. Ibrahim Umar FIFA expressed confidence in the talent and energy of the athletes representing Kano State, who are set to compete across 13 out of the 32 scheduled events, including judo, kickboxing, taekwondo, swimming, and football, among others.
Ibrahim FIFA expresses his gratitude to Governor Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf and Commissioner of Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, for their consistent moral and financial support to state athletes and sports development in Kano State.
Kano showcased their prowess during the previous edition of the National Sports Festival held in Asaba, Delta State, bagging an impressive total of 68 medals including 11 gold, 27 silver, and 30 bronze medals securing the 7th position among all participating states.
The National Sports Festival, first initiated in 1973 by former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon, was designed as a unifying event to promote peace, cultural understanding, and the discovery of sporting talents post-Nigerian Civil War. This spirit of unity will once again reign as the festival brings together young athletes from every corner of Nigeria, highlighting their skills and fostering national camaraderie through sports.
The opening ceremony for the Gateway Games 2025 will take place on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Kuto, Abeokuta. High-profile attendees will include President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who will declare the festival open alongside the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and various state governors. Notably, Nigeria’s Vice President Ibrahim Shettima will represent President Tinubu, who is currently attending an event in Italy.
As excitement builds for this landmark event, the Kano State contingent hopes to continue its legacy of excellence and contribute to the spirit of healthy competition and unity among Nigerian states