Ado Salisu
Kano State athletes have clinched two silver and three bronze medals at the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged “Gateway Games,” currently underway in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Temmidayo Jegede secured two silver and one bronze in the women’s 55kg weightlifting category, while Adams Ayinmba added two bronze medals in the women’s 49kg category.
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In football, the Kano State team defeated Kwara 2-1 and earned a walkover victory against Ondo State at the Remo Stars Stadium.
Meanwhile, Kano’s handball team narrowly lost to Niger State with a scoreline of 24–25.
Acting Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Ibrahim Umar Fagge, described the athletes’ performance as “very encouraging” and urged them to intensify their efforts.
He assured that the commission is working tirelessly to ensure the state’s success in the competition.
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Fagge also expressed appreciation to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Youth and Sports Commissioner Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, and other stakeholders for their unwavering support.
The 22nd National Sports Festival was officially declared open on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at the MKO Abiola International Stadium in Abeokuta.
Originally scheduled for November 2024, the festival was postponed and finally launched in May 2025.
Vice President Kashim Shettima officiated the opening ceremony, which featured a vibrant showcase of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
Distinguished attendees included former President Olusegun Obasanjo and ex-governors Segun Osoba and Gbenga Daniel.
Over 10,000 athletes from Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT are competing across 33 sports disciplines.
A notable highlight is the inclusion of the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) team, aimed at nurturing the nation’s future sports stars.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun affirmed the state’s readiness, citing enhanced infrastructure and a strong cultural backdrop, emphasizing the festival’s role in fostering unity and youth development.