The Zonal Elimination for the North Central States commenced today, February 25, 2025, in Jos, the Plateau State capital.
The 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival is scheduled to take place in Abeokuta, Ogun State, in May 2025.
Speaking to the press, Saka Akeem, Zonal Coordinator for the North Central National Sports Commission in Jos, explained the importance of the elimination stage. He stated, “Before the main event, there are preliminary activities, one of which is the Zonal Elimination for team sports. Since it is impractical to accommodate all 36 states and the FCT at the festival, this elimination process is necessary. That is why we are here in Jos for the North Central Zonal Elimination.”
Akeem further detailed that states will compete in eight team sports: Abula, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Football, Hockey, Volleyball, Handball, and Cricket. The six states in the North Central Zone, along with the FCT, will vie for two qualification slots in each event for both male and female categories.
“All states are represented in at least two or more of the sports. The winners and runners-up in each event will qualify to represent the zone at the festival. The North Central Zone is a stronghold of sports in Nigeria, and we are optimistic that one of our states will secure a top-five position on the medal table at the upcoming festival,” Akeem emphasized.
Abobi Patrick, Deputy Director from the Department of National Sports Festival and Para Sports at the National Sports Commission, Abuja, who is in Jos to oversee the eliminations, commended the Plateau State governor for his commitment to sports development. He praised the ongoing remodeling of the Rwang Pam Stadium, stating, “For sports development, having the necessary facilities is crucial. Observing the ongoing work at the stadium, it is evident that Governor Barr. Caleb Mutfwang is dedicated to sports development. This commitment is invaluable, and I wish him success in ensuring the state has the required sports infrastructure.”
Patrick also highlighted the importance of the six zonal structures in Nigeria. “The Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the Director General, Hon. Bukola Olapade, have demonstrated a keen interest in grassroots sports development. The zonal offices play a vital role in this process, as they are closest to the grassroots. To this end, funding will be allocated to the zones to facilitate development initiatives.”
The Directors of Sports for Kogi and Kwara States, Obakachi Onipe Halli and Bako Ibrahim, respectively, expressed confidence in their teams’ performances. They remain optimistic about securing qualification slots for their states in the events they are participating in.