The Plateau State Director of Sports, Prof. Ezra Gunen, has announced that Plateau State will compete in six team sports at the ongoing North Central Zonal Elimination for the National Sports Festival, currently taking place in Jos, the Plateau State capital.
Prof. Gunen made this known after a technical meeting organized by the National Sports Commission, attended by team officials from the six participating states and the FCT at Rwang Pam Stadium on February 25, 2025.
“We are well prepared and will be competing in six team sports during these eliminations: Handball, Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Hockey, and Beach Volleyball. I am confident that we will perform well in the qualifiers,” Prof. Gunen stated.
However, he expressed regret over the absence of Plateau State’s female football team in the competition, citing the loss of key players from Tin City Queens to various club sides in Jos. He assured that efforts were underway to rebuild a new team with talent sourced from the grassroots.
Prof. Gunen also commended His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, for hosting the Zonal Qualifiers. He reassured the governor and the people of Plateau State that the team remains fully committed to competing in major championships, especially the National Sports Festival, which is a significant event for Nigerian athletes.
The 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival, tagged “Ogun 2025,” is scheduled to take place in Ogun State in May 2025.