The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC) Mallam Shehu Dikko, has confirmed that no fewer than ten states have officially submitted bids to host the 2028 edition of the National Sports Festival, Afrosport reports.
Dikko made it known in Abeokuta during a review of the 2024 National Sports Festival tagged Gateway Games. He commended the level of interest from state governments, describing it as a positive indicator of the festival’s growing reputation as a unifying and developmental sporting event.
“The enthusiasm from the states has been overwhelming,” Dikko said. “More than ten states have shown serious interest in hosting the 2028 National Sports Festival. This is a testament to the value and prestige the festival now commands.”
The NSC chairman noted that the successful hosting of the Gateway Games by Ogun State has set a new benchmark for future editions of the festival.
“With what we witnessed in Ogun, we can confidently say that the standard has been raised,” he stated. “The Gateway Games have provided a template that future hosts can learn from and improve upon.”
Dikko also reaffirmed that Enugu State has already been confirmed as the host for the 2026 edition of the festival. According to him, the NSC will not delay in naming the 2028 host to allow for early preparations and better organization.
