British-Nigerian boxing icon Anthony Joshua will ignite the cauldron at the opening ceremony of the 22nd National Sports Festival, taking place today, Sunday, May 18, 2025, at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Kuto, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The event, officially tagged ‘Gateway Games 2024’, will be declared open by Nigeria’s Vice President, Ibrahim Shettima, who is representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu currently on a diplomatic visit to Rome, Italy. Also in attendance are the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, state governors, and other dignitaries from across Nigeria and the international community.
Abeokuta has seen a significant influx of visitors as 32 state contingents have arrived ahead of the grand ceremony. The festival is set to host over 10,000 athletes and coaches from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, who will compete in 33 sporting disciplines.
Elite athletes are also permitted to participate in this edition of the Sports Festival, adding prestige and competition to the games.
Delta State, champions of the previous edition held in Asaba in 2022, will be looking to defend their title.
