There’s no fanfare. No distractions. No easing into it. In the heart of Lagos, behind closed doors at its sports complexes, a silent storm is building. Inside training halls, gyms, tracks, and courts, 528 athletes are locked in, focused, disciplined, and sharpening every edge ahead of Nigeria’s biggest sporting stage: the National Sports Festival.
Team Lagos has entered the final phase of its closed-camp preparations, assembling a formidable 528-athlete contingent set to compete in over 30 sporting events. Behind them is a tightly coordinated team of coaches, technical officials, medical staff, and sport psychologists. Every session, drill, and recovery cycle is calibrated for peak performance. These athletes reflect the best of Lagos – ambitious, competitive, and ready to lead.
The foundation of this effort is the resolute support of the sports-loving Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, whose leadership has enabled full-scale camp operations, comprehensive athlete welfare, and access to world-class facilities.
Mr. Lekan Fatodu, Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, captured the urgency and focus of the team:
“We are not preparing to participate. We are preparing to dominate. Every athlete in this camp understands the responsibility they carry. Lagos is not just a state of excellence in name, it must show in results. This ongoing training at the closed camp is a bold signal that Lagos is aiming for the top of the table at the Festival and further demonstrates Mr Governor’s deep commitment to ensuring Lagos stands out at all times.”
Inside the camp, every detail is covered, from structured sport-specific training and nutrition plans to round-the-clock medical care and psychological support. Team cohesion, mental sharpness, and tactical discipline are top priorities. The Lagos State Sports Commission has embedded high-level coaching and technical oversight across all disciplines to ensure a seamless lead-up to the Festival.
Team Lagos is set to compete in a wide range of events: track and field, wrestling, boxing, swimming, weightlifting, basketball, table tennis, and other core medal sports. Focus remains on high-yield disciplines where Lagos has a strong record and where emerging talent is ready to break through.
With the clock ticking toward the opening ceremony of the National Sports Festival 2024, the momentum is clear: Lagos is not stepping into Ogun State to compete; it is stepping in to win.