By Frank I. Alapa | IDNN Nigeria
The 2024 National Sports Festival sports cap has been officially confirmed. The National Council on Sports approved a total of 32 events for the upcoming edition. The announcement came during an Extraordinary Council Meeting held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on April 17, 2024.
This move follows a carefully prepared memorandum submitted by the National Sports Commission (NSC). The aim is to strengthen the organizational framework and enhance competitive integrity.
Read official NSC statement here
Inside the 2024 National Sports Festival Sports Cap
The approved structure includes:
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27 compulsory sports
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5 optional sports, chosen by the host
This structure aligns with Rule 11 of the general guidelines for the National Sports Festival, first introduced in Benin City in 2019. The council reaffirmed this rule during the latest meeting.
“This decision promotes national unity, performance focus, and state-driven inclusion,”
— Bukola Olopade, NSC Director General
Moreover, it enables participating states to prepare effectively while encouraging host-state creativity.
📊 Why These Sports? A Data-Driven Approach
The selection of the 27 core sports was based on:
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Historical participation across 36 states and the FCT
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Nigeria’s performance in international competitions
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National popularity and grassroots development metrics
The 2024 National Sports Festival sports cap includes:
Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Boxing, Chess, Cycling, Football, Gymnastics, Handball, Hockey, Judo, Karate, Kickboxing, Kung-fu, Para-athletics, Para-powerlifting, Para-table tennis, Scrabble, Squash, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, Volleyball, Weightlifting, and Wrestling.
🌍 Ogun State to Choose 5 Optional Events
Ogun State, as the official host, may select up to five additional sports from a list of 25. This allows the state to showcase local strengths and regional preferences.
In addition, this flexible approach ensures broader engagement while preserving the festival’s national character.
📅 Gateway Games: What to Expect
The 22nd edition—branded as the Gateway Games—will take place in Abeokuta from May 18 to 30, 2024.
Thousands of athletes and officials will participate. The festival is expected to strengthen national cohesion, boost state tourism, and discover future stars for Team Nigeria.
Notably, the sports cap reinforces Nigeria’s vision for a modern, competitive, and inclusive sporting ecosystem.
For more on previous festivals and planning details, visit the official National Sports Festival portal.
