Enugu State is aiming for a breakthrough performance at the 22nd National Sports Festival – the Gateway Games 2025 with its largest-ever contingent, as final preparations continue ahead of the team’s departure to Ogun State.
In an exclusive chat with Athletic NG in Enugu, the Director of Organising at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mr. Boniface Onovo, outlined the strategic approach fueling the state’s campaign, as well as preparations for Enugu’s historic hosting of the festival in 2026.
“We have been working hard, taking our training seriously and identifying 12 sports where we are confident of winning medals,” Onovo said.
Team Enugu will feature 84 athletes and 24 officials across 12 sports, including Para Powerlifting, Para Athletics, Judo, Badminton, Tennis, Swimming, Athletics, Boxing, and Wrestling. The state will also compete in three team sports: women’s football, men’s basketball, and men’s handball.
“Some associations have been very supportive, especially boxing, judo, and wrestling,” Onovo added, acknowledging the partnerships that have helped boost preparations.
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For the first time in its history, the state government led by Governor Peter Mbah has fully kitted its athletes with branded gear.
“The government, through the ministry, has provided competition kits for all athletes – including a branded Enugu tracksuit, sneakers, cap, innerwear, and a sports bag – to ensure our team looks decent and confident competing with athletes from other states,” he said.
Motivation has also been enhanced through a new reward scheme. “This time around, we’ve introduced the Honourable Commissioner’s instant bonus: 100,000 naira per gold medal, paid immediately.
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If we win 20 golds, that’s 2 million naira instantly at the event. And that’s just from the commissioner – the bigger reward will come from the Governor once we return, as he always rewards excellence.”
Team Enugu will depart for Ogun on Friday, 16 May, and move directly into the Games Village at Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo. The delegation will be led by Mr. Boniface Onovo, representing the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Barr. Lloyd Ekweremadu.
Governor Mbah (C) alongside DG NSC Bukola Olopade and his team with the Hon Commissioner for Sports Enugu, Hon Ekweremadu far left. Photo Credit: X
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“We leave on Friday straight to the village, rest over the weekend, attend the opening ceremony, and begin competing on Monday,” Onovo confirmed.
Logistics have also been upgraded following a disappointing outing at the 21st edition in Asaba, where Enugu secured only a single bronze medal.
“The state government is providing two 50-seater buses and two 18-seaters. We’re more than 100 in number, and while we’ll complement what the host state provides, we’re not relying on them. If you don’t plan your movement well, you might miss your event,” he emphasized.
Enugu is preparing to host the National Sports Festival for the first time in 2026 – and the first time the competition will be held in the South East since its inception in 1973.
The Gateway Games 2025 is set to be the largest sports gathering in Nigerian history, hosting between 12,000- 15,000 athletes across more than 30 sports.
