Bayelsa Declares Bid to Host 2028 National Sports Festival

Bayelsa State has officially declared its intention to host the 2028 National Sports Festival, according to Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade.

He revealed this during a visit to Yenagoa on Monday, where he assessed the state’s preparedness for the biennial sporting event.

Olopade stated; “Today in Yenagoa, I had the privilege of engaging with key stakeholders as Bayelsa State officially declared its intention to host the National Sports Festival in 2028.

Alongside the President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation and Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports, Daniel Igali, we discussed the state’s readiness and vision for the festival. I also led the team on an inspection of facilities in Bayelsa as part of the evaluation process for their bid.

“The National Sports Festival is not just a competition; it is a celebration of unity, talent, and the future of Nigerian sports. Bayelsa’s commitment is commendable, and we look forward to what lies ahead.”

If successful, Bayelsa would host the competition for the first time in 2028. Enugu has already been named as host of the 2026 edition, following the conclusion of the 2024 games in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Meanwhile, Olopade also addressed the suspension of Nigerian wrestler, Amas Daniel, who has been banned from competing since 2023. He met with protesting youths and convened a meeting between Daniel and the wrestling federation.

“We have been able to resolve it. It was the federation taking disciplinary action against him for being unruly. A simple apology to the federation would have resolved it, but I am meeting with them, and I am sure it will be resolved,” Olopade explained.