The National Sports Commission (NSC) has announced that zonal eliminations for team sports ahead of the 22nd National Sports Festival will take place from February 23 to 28, 2025, across all geopolitical zones in Nigeria.
These elimination rounds will determine which states earn a spot in the country’s premier multi-sport event, with fierce competition expected as athletes strive for qualification.
Team sports featured in this phase include football, basketball, volleyball, beach volleyball, hockey, cricket, abula, and handball.
Kaduna State has been designated as the host for the North West zonal eliminations, while Yobe State will oversee the North East contests. Other geopolitical zones, including the South East, South West, and South South, will also have their respective venues for the intense matchups.
To ensure smooth preparations and witness the competition firsthand, NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade plan to visit selected centers during the event.
The 22nd National Sports Festival, known as the Gateway Games, is set to take place in Ogun State from May 16 to 30, 2025. With top athletes and teams competing, this edition promises to be one of the most exciting and competitive in recent years.
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