The National Sports Commission (NSC) has intensified preparations for the 22nd National Sports Festival as zonal eliminations for team sports kick off across the country this week.

This was contained in a statement signed by Ajayi Kehinde (Mrs.), Director of Information and Public Relations, National Sports Commission (NSC) on Tuesday.

With competition heating up at designated centers in Ibadan, Benin, Enugu, Kaduna, Plateau, and Yobe, states are vying for qualification spots ahead of the festival, set to take place in Ogun State this May.

In determination to ensure a hitch-free process, NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade will personally oversee proceedings at some of the venues.

While Dikko will be at the Kaduna center, Olopade will monitor activities in Ibadan, both reinforcing the Commission’s renewed commitment to fairness, professionalism, and global best practices.

“The zonal elimination is as important as the festival itself, and we are determined to do things differently.

“This time, we are bringing a level of seriousness that matches international standards.” Dikko said.

In the same vein, Olopade assured that the Commission has provided all necessary logistics through the Department of Sports Festival and Grassroots Development to ensure a seamless qualification process.

“The Gateway Games in Ogun State will stand out as one of the best-organized editions in festival history.

“But for that to happen, we must first have one of the best-run zonal eliminations.” He stated.

The qualification phase will see teams battle for spots in football, volleyball, basketball, hockey, cricket, beach volleyball, abula, and handball.