NSC begins Zonal Eliminations for 22nd National Sports Festival
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has commenced zonal eliminations for team sports ahead of the 22nd National Sports Festival, scheduled to take place in Ogun State this May.
The eliminations, which kicked off this week, are being held across designated centres in Ibadan, Benin, Enugu, Kaduna, Plateau, and Yobe. States will compete at these venues for qualification spots in various team sports at the festival.
To ensure a smooth and well-coordinated process, NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade will oversee activities at some of the centres.
Mallam Dikko is expected to monitor proceedings in Kaduna, while Hon. Olopade will be at the Ibadan Centre. Their visits reflect the commission’s renewed commitment to the successful organisation of the festival.
Speaking on the importance of the eliminations, Mallam Dikko emphasised that the phase is just as crucial as the festival itself.
“We are determined to do things differently by adopting global best practices, which is why we are placing great importance on the zonal eliminations,” he stated.
Similarly, Hon. Olopade assured that the commission has provided all necessary logistics through the Department of Sports Festival and Grassroots Development to ensure a seamless qualification process across all zones.
“The Gateway Games in Ogun State will be one of the best-organised editions in the festival’s history. To achieve this, we must ensure that the zonal eliminations are conducted at the highest standard,” he said.
The eliminations will feature team sports, including football, volleyball, basketball, hockey, cricket, beach volleyball, abula, and handball.
