Bukola Olapade

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has commended the high level of performance and discipline exhibited by players in the handball event of the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF), tagged “Gateway Games 2024”, currently holding in Ogun State.

Speaking on Monday after witnessing the men’s handball match between Lagos and Sokoto States at the Ake Sports Complex, Abeokuta, Olopade praised the athletes for displaying integrity, maturity, and the spirit of fair play throughout the match.

According to him, the standard of play in the handball competition reflects significant improvement, demonstrating the impact of ongoing efforts to raise the quality of grassroots sports development in the country.

“The players have shown great sportsmanship. Their display of integrity and maturity, coupled with the high quality of the match, is highly commendable,” Olopade stated. “This festival started on a very strong note with a world-class opening ceremony that has now become a reference point for athletes and spectators alike.”

He noted that the games are already living up to expectations, expressing confidence that the festival will continue to unearth natural talents who will make Nigeria proud on the international stage.

Olopade further disclosed that all 36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), are participating in the competition, with Benue State being the last to arrive at the host state.

Meanwhile, results from the opening day of the men’s handball event showed close contests and strong performances. Niger State narrowly edged Kano 25-24, and Lagos defeated Sokoto by the same slim margin of 25-24, while Edo State recorded a walkover victory against Enugu.

The National Sports Festival, which began on May 16, is expected to run until May 30, bringing together athletes from across Nigeria to compete in various sports disciplines and promote national unity through sportsmanship and talent discovery.