What began as a triumphant return from the 22nd National Sports Festival in Ogun State has ended in tragedy for the Kano State contingent. Nineteen members of the team—including athletes, coaches, officials, and journalists—lost their lives in a fatal road crash while returning home, plunging the Nigerian sports community into mourning.
In an emotional statement released Saturday, Hon. Bukola Olopade, Director General of the National Sports Commission and Chairman of the Main Organising Committee of the festival, described the incident as “a black day for Nigerian sports.”
“We were only just celebrating the successful conclusion of a beautiful Festival in Ogun State—one that brought Nigerians together in unity, passion, and hope,” Olopade said. “To wake up to this kind of news so soon after is not just painful, it is tragic beyond words.”
Kano’s delegation has long been known for its spirited and consistent contribution to the national sporting scene. The loss of its members, many of them young and full of promise, has sent shockwaves through the sports community and beyond.
Olopade extended his “deepest condolences” to the families of the deceased, the Government of Kano State, and the people of Kano, pledging both personal and institutional support. He also called for a renewed national conversation on safety standards for athletes and officials involved in sports travel.
“This tragedy has brought into sharp focus the need for us to be more deliberate and uncompromising about the safety and welfare of every participant in our national sporting events,” he added. “This is not just about policy. This is personal.”
He vowed to engage stakeholders, including state sports councils, transport regulators, insurers, and safety agencies, to ensure that such a disaster never happens again.
As the nation grieves, prayers are being offered for the injured survivors receiving medical treatment and for the souls of those lost in the accident. Flags are expected to fly at half-mast at upcoming sporting events in honor of the victims.
