Urgent Update: National Sports Festival Pushed To May – What Led To The Postponement

Urgent Update: National Sports Festival Pushed To May – What Led To The Postponement

The much-anticipated 22nd National Sports Festival, originally set for January 12, 2025, has been postponed to May 16–30, 2025. This adjustment was confirmed following a Joint Technical Meeting held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Thursday.

The announcement was made by Thecla Opara, Secretary of the Main Organizing Committee (MOC), who explained that the delay is necessary to address several key recommendations from the technical committee aimed at ensuring the festival meets international standards.

The new dates were confirmed in a communique, which also stated that the Zonal Eliminations for team sports will take place from February 23–28, 2025.

National Sports Commission (NSC) Director General Bukola Olopade emphasized the importance of giving the organizing teams more time to perfect the preparations. “While Ogun State and the Local Organizing Committee were strongly opposed to the delay, the decision was made to ensure a high-quality event, aligned with the President’s vision for sports development and the Nigerian sports economy,” Olopade stated.

The technical committee chairman added that facilities at the Ogun state venue need critical upgrades to meet the Olympic-level standards required for the festival. “We want athletes to enjoy world-class conditions, not just manage,” he explained.

The rescheduling provides a five-month window to finalize all preparations and promises a festival that will redefine Nigeria’s sports landscape.

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