The 22nd National Sports Festival – Gateway Games 2025 – officially kicks off today in Abeokuta with a colorful opening ceremony, as Team Enugu settles in following their arrival last night.
Among the state’s medal hopefuls is the handball team, led by veteran captain Ndubusi Donatus and standout player Isah Aboubakar.
Confidence is running high within the squad, despite what they describe as modest preparations.
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Donatus, a bronze medalist with Niger State at the 2011 Garden City Games, is making his fourth festival appearance after stints at Rivers 2011, Eko 2012, and Delta 2023.
“My target is to make a name. We, the handballers, want to make more names. We want to improve on our records,” said Donatus.
“Preparation was modest, but we hope to pull through.”
He also weighed in on the welfare arrangements so far:
“It’s been decent, but we are still hoping for more. You know we are athletes—we need to eat good. We haven’t been given towels and tissues, but it’s still early days.”
Donatus (R) and Isah (L) at the teams camp in Babcock University, Ogun State.
Teammate Isah Aboubakar, now at his
third National Sports Festival, echoed the team’s ambition:
“Enugu, we’re prepared. I can beat my chest that we will come out with at least silver,” he said confidently.
Aboubakar also emphasized the importance of proper motivation for athletes:
“Just like a car without fuel, the car is useless. Motivation is key in this area. Enugu needs to step up.”
That call appears to have been anticipated. Prior to the team’s arrival in Ogun State, officials from the Enugu State Ministry of Youth and Sports outlined a series of new athlete incentives in an interview with Prime Sports Radio Enugu and Athletic NG.
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Mr. Boniface Onovo, Director of Organizing at the ministry, revealed a financial boost for medal winners:
“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”
Comrade Ephraim Ochonma, the Director of Coaching, detailed longer-term benefits designed to ensure continuity and career growth for athletes:
“That’s the biggest incentives it’s not just about giving athletes money. Once you win a medal for Enugu State, you’re employed by the state government. You become a civil servant, continue to compete for the state, and you even have the opportunity to transition into coaching.
We are building a structure that ensures we won’t lack athletes or coaches in the future.”
Team Enugu has a strong presence at the Gateway Games with 84 athletes and 24 officials across 12 sports, including Para Powerlifting, Para Athletics, Judo, Badminton, Tennis, Swimming, Athletics, Boxing and Wrestling
