National Sports Festival: Group seeks integrity, fair play

A group, Sports Integrity Foundation (SIF) has called on the Main Organising Committee (MOC) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF) to make integrity their watchword as the Nigeria version of the Olympic Games commenced in the capital city of Ogun State on Friday, 15th May, 2025.

A statement signed by the SIF’s Secretary, Godwin Dele, made available to Sporting Tribune in Abuja urged the two bodies to ensure fair play, safety of athletes, clean sport and provide clear pathway and strategies to improve competition organisation in Nigeria.

While calling on the athletes to compete clean and fair, the group stated that as an independent organisation, it has put up modalities in place to observe and promote the competition as its members are already in Ogun State for the Games

The statement read, “Sports Integrity Foundation (SIF) hereby urges the MOC and LOC of the National Sports Festival to prioritize integrity in everything they do. They should explore best practices for promoting fair play, safety of athletes, clean sport and provide clear pathway and strategies to improve competition organisation in Nigeria.

“We’ll like them to remember that every voice, especially that of the athletes matter, and every moment counts. Professionalism should be non-negotiable. We urge that those who have been saddled with it, take responsibility, and be accountable at all times. We also urge the athletes to compete clean, fair and with respect.

“As an independent organisation, we have set up modalities to observe and possibly promote the competition, with the presence of our members in Ogun State for the games.

“We wish participants all the best in the National Sports Festival. Do remember that the greatness of Nigerian sports is a collective responsibility.”