NSC, National Council on Sports approves fixed calendar for NSF

Posted : 17 April 2025

In a bid to enhance the operational effectiveness and overall performance of Nigerian athletes, the National Sports Commission’s (NSC) memorandum regarding a fixed period for the National Sports Festival (NSF), as well as an affirmation of the rules to streamline the number of sports at the Festival, has been approved by the National Council on Sports.

Both memoranda were presented at the Extraordinary National Council of Sports meeting, which took place on Wednesday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, and were approved accordingly.

In a communiqué signed by the Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, it was noted that the Council gave its approval for the National Sports Festival to be held between November and December of the Festival year.

The decision was reached to align with international best practices, as it is essential to maintain a stable and predictable sports calendar for our traditional national competitions such as the National Sports Festival.

A fixed period for the NSF would improve organization, participant engagement, financial and logistical efficiency, and marketing and sponsorship opportunities for the NSF.

The communiqué also stated that the Council reaffirmed its decision on Rule 11 (i), (ii), and (iii) of the 2024 National Sports Festival General Rules and Regulations, as reached at the Extraordinary Council Meeting held in Benin City, Edo State, on Thursday, March 14, 2019.

Rule 11(i) states that a maximum of 32 sports shall feature at the Festival (27 compulsory and 5 optional).

Rule 11(ii) affirms that the compulsory sports were selected based on their popularity in the 36 states, including the FCT, state entries in the sports at previous Festivals, and the standard of Nigeria’s participation in the sport at the international level.

Rule 11(iii) states that the Host State is at liberty to select a maximum of 5 sports out of the 25 optional sports to make up the 32 sports to feature at the Festival.

This move will help stabilize the number of sports at the multi-sport event, mitigating irregular changes that may affect the management and organization of the Games.

The Council commended the Federal Government for its dedication to developing sports in the country by establishing the NSC.

The Council also appreciated the Ogun State Government for its commitment to hosting the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival.

The 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged Gateway Games, will take place from May 18–30, 2025, in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

NSC, National Council on Sports approves fixed calendar for NSF

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