Anthony Joshua to Light the Cauldron at Gateway Games Opening Ceremony

By: Olufemi Orunsola 

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that Ogun State will come alive today as British-Nigerian boxing star and world heavy weight record holder, Anthony Joshua is scheduled to light the cauldron at the opening ceremony of the 22nd National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State on Sunday (today).

OTN News further reports as reliably gathered that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will declare the Festival tagged 'GATEWAY GAMES 2024' open alongside Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, States' Governors, and other high-profile personalities from across Nigeria and the international community at the MKO Abiola Stadium, now renamed Mko Abiola Sports Arena,Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Sunday, 18th May, 2025.

OTN further reports that Nigeria 's Vice President, Kashim Shettima, will be standing in for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu , who is currently in Italy, Rome to Attend the inauguration Mass on the invite of Pope Leo XIV.

As at press time, no fewer than 32 state contingents have arrived for the opening ceremony, with the capital city, Abeokuta, witnessing influx of visitors into the state.

About ten thousand athletes and coaches drawn from the 36 Sates of the Federation and FCT Abuja are expected to feature in the Festival, with athletes competing in 33 Sports where the elite athletes are also allowed to participate in the Sports Festival.

As Ogun State plays host to the NSF, OTN News recalls that the last edition of the Natuonal Sports Festival held in Asaba, Delta State capital in 2022 and the host state, Delta won that 21st edition of the games.