In a strategic move to reward excellence and build a lasting sports development structure, the Enugu State Government has announced that any athlete who wins a medal at the upcoming 22nd National Sports Festival—Gateway Games 2025 in Ogun State—will be offered automatic employment as a civil servant.
Speaking exclusively to Prime Sports Radio Enugu and Athletic NG, Comrade Ephraim Ochonma, Director of Coaching at the Enugu State Ministry of Youth and Sports, described the initiative as the state’s most significant incentive yet.
“It’s not just about giving athletes money,” Ochonma said. “Once you win a medal for Enugu State, you’re employed by the government. You become a civil servant, continue to represent the state, and even have the opportunity to transition into coaching. We’re laying a foundation to ensure that Enugu never lacks top athletes or coaches in the future.”
Team Enugu’s Participation
Team Enugu will be represented by 84 athletes and 24 officials, competing in 12 individual sports including Para Powerlifting, Para Athletics, Judo, Badminton, Tennis, Swimming, Athletics, Boxing, and Wrestling. The state will also participate in three team sports: women’s football, men’s basketball, and men’s handball.
While medal victories are important, Ochonma emphasized that the broader goal is long-term talent development and competitiveness.
“The festival is a stage for identifying states that are seriously investing in sports. Some athletes you haven’t heard of now will make headlines in future editions. That’s why some states, including ours, are fielding younger athletes—for exposure and growth,” he said.
Support for Athletes
The Director also confirmed that the state government has provided financial support for athletes’ training and nutritional needs, benefiting both seasoned professionals and rising stars.
“Some of our top athletes received funding for supplements because we know the performance standards expected. Newcomers were also supported as part of our developmental plan. But the biggest motivation remains the promise of employment—it gives athletes stability and keeps them within the sports system.”
Among Enugu’s star athletes is World U20 400m champion and Commonwealth Games competitor Johnson Nnamani. The state’s boxing team will be led by Israel Ogbodo, while its para-sports division boasts talents such as Destiny Agbo—a double champion—alongside Daniel, Ugochukwu, and Goodness.
Building Towards 2026
In a rallying call to the public, Ochonma urged the people of Enugu to support the team with prayers and encouragement.
“I ask Ndi Enugu to pray for us. We had a poor outing the last time due to a number of issues, but we’ve addressed many of those challenges. This year, we’re better prepared, and the results will show it.”
He also revealed that the 2025 Games will serve as a preparatory platform for Enugu’s athletes ahead of hosting the 2026 edition of the National Sports Festival—the first time the event will be held in the South East since its inception in 1973.
“This is a test run. We’re trying out young talents now so that by 2026, we’re not just talking about hosting—we’ll be talking about hosting and winning.”
Gateway Games 2025: Nigeria’s Largest Sporting Event Yet
The Gateway Games 2025, to be held in Ogun State, is expected to be the largest sports gathering in Nigerian history, with between 12,000 and 15,000 athletes competing in over 30 different sports.
