The Invited Junior Athletes, IJA, have set an early marker at their first ever National Sports Festival in Ogun state after denying the Elite Athletes four medals already, by winning two Gold, one silver and one bronze medal within the first two days of the Games.

Amarachi Chijioke and Scholastical Tekumbur made history winning the two gold, one silver and one bronze in the 45kg women category.

Chijioke claimed two gold medals in clean and jerk with the best lift of 82kg while Tekumbur, also claimed the bronze in clean and jerk.

The National Sports Commission, NSC, has continued to receive plenty of accolades for the IJA initiative introduced to the Festival as the 38th State and the early performance of the junior  athletes within the first two days of the Games is already justifying the essence of the concept.

The NSC introduced the Invited junior Athletes concept so that Nigeria can start having a unique and scientific transition system between the upcoming junior athletes and the elite athletes.

Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, maintained that the IJA concept was designed to tie grassroots to elite Sports by bridging the transition gap that has existed in the past.

“ Ninety percent of the kids representing IJA are champions from the youth games and the ones that have upset the staquo by winning these medals have automatically been elevated to elite status and qualify for elite grants that will prepare them for the Olympic Games and Commonwealth Championships next year”.

” Being the first time we are having this concept we never expected them to win medals but just to get exposure by competing with the elite athletes but we can see with the four medals already won that the junior athletes we brought for this Games are really fancying their chances with the big boys”.

Thirty eight junior athletes across different sports are representing the Invited junior Athletes , IJA, at the Gateway Games.

The National Sports Commission, NSC, has cautioned that registered athletes with antidoping issues cannot compete for scoring medals at the ongoing National Sports Festival, tagged Gateway Games 2024.

The NSC made it clear after a strategic joint meeting of the Main Organising Committee and the Local Organising Committee of the Games on Monday.

The commission announced that this is in line with global best practices and the World antidoping Agency ( WADA) code.

NSC DG Hon Bukola Olopade charged all the participating states to take note of this and reiterates the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that every athlete compete very clean.

” The issue of antidoping is one important mandate of the Commission to ensure that Nigeria is devoid of drugs problems at both domestic and international competitions. 

” We are happy now that the National antidoping law has finally been passed by our Sports loving President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the ripple effect of such a landmark fear must swiftly be felt in our Sports starting with the current Sports Festival”, he stated.

The following athletes have therefore been listed to have doping issues and cannot compete for medals at the Games.

1. Marcus Okon representing Akwa Ibom state in Para Athletics 

2. Ayabeke David Opeyemi representing Bayelsa state in Gymnastics 

3. Kareem Shukurat representing Lagos state in kickboxing 

4. Omole Dolapo Joshua representing Bayelsa state in kickboxing 

5. Ogunsemilore Cynthia representing Bayelsa state in kickboxing 

6. Animashaun Sofia representing Lagos state in Para powerlifting

The Nigerian Para-Cycling and Track teams showcased exceptional skill and determination at the 2025 CAC Para-Cycling Track Championships and African Continental Track Championships, held from May 10th to 16th, 2025.

Technical Director,  Cycling Federation of Nigeria, CFN, Bashir Mohammed has charged the federation to build on the successes achieved at the just concluded Championships held in Cairo Egypt

Bashir Mohammed in an exclusive interview with Lagos television says the federation should prioritize Acquisition of Road and Track Tandem Bikes, Essential for the development of para-cycling in Nigeria.

Intensive Training Camps is also Crucial for preparing athletes for upcoming international competitions.

He noted that by investing in these areas, Nigerian cyclists can further enhance their skills and competitiveness, potentially leading to even greater achievements in future events. 

The success of these championships underscores the potential for cycling in Nigeria and highlights the importance of continued support and development in the sport 

The Nigerian Para-Cycling team excelled in the B Class Tandem events, securing a total of 6 gold medals:

– *B Class Tandem Men won 3 gold medals, demonstrating exceptional teamwork and skill.

– *B Class Tandem Women recorded 3 gold medals, further solidifying Nigeria’s presence in para-cycling 

The Nigerian Track team delivered an impressive performance, winning medals in various events:

– *Women Junior Events

    – *Sprints*: 1 gold and 1 silver medal, showcasing speed and agility.

    Team Sprints*: 1 gold medal, highlighting teamwork and coordination.

    – *Individual Pursuits*: 1 silver and 1 bronze medal, demonstrating endurance and tactical riding.

    – *Omnium*: 1 silver medal, reflecting overall versatility and skill.

    – *1km Time Trial*: 1 silver and 1 bronze medal, emphasizing power and speed.

    – *Keirin*: 1 gold and 1 silver medal, showcasing explosive acceleration and tactical prowess.

– *Women Elite Events:*

    – *Keirin*: 1 silver medal, demonstrating experience and skill.

    – *Team Sprints*: 1 silver medal, highlighting teamwork and coordination.

    – *Team Pursuits*: 1 silver medal, showcasing endurance and strategy.

The combined medal tally for both Para-Cycling and Track Cycling events is impressive:

– *Gold*: 9 medals

– *Silver*: 6 medals

– *Bronze*: 2 medals

“A significant achievement from these championships is the qualification of the male and female Class B Tandem teams for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games. As the African Para-Cycling Track championships served as a qualifying event, this marks a notable opportunity for Nigerian para-cyclists to compete on a global stage.” He said 

On focus of the federation on Cycling event which commences tomorrow at the ongoing national sports festival in Ogun state Bashir Mohammed States that more talents will be discovered 

” The national sports festival is Nigeria’s Olympic Games, it’s a very important moment in sports in the country. It’s a hunting ground for talents who will be future stars ” He said 

The sports festival runs from may 16 to 31st