The Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) have made an emphatic statement in their debut appearance at the National Sports Festival, clinching four medals within the first two days of competition at the ongoing Gateway Games 2024 in Ogun State.
The IJA contingent, representing a strategic initiative by the National Sports Commission (NSC) to bridge the gap between grassroots and elite sports, stunned spectators by securing two gold, one silver, and one bronze in the early rounds of the festival.
The medal haul came from the 45kg women’s weightlifting category, where Amarachi Chijioke emerged as the standout performer. She bagged two gold medals in the clean and jerk discipline with a best lift of 82kg, showcasing strength and composure well beyond her years. Her teammate, Scholastical Tekumbur, also made the podium, earning a bronze medal in the clean and jerk and a silver medal overall.
The feat by these junior athletes has already justified the vision behind the IJA initiative, which sees the juniors participate as the “38th state” at the National Sports Festival. The early success has drawn widespread praise and renewed attention to the importance of nurturing young talent with clear development pathways.
According to NSC Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade, the IJA program was crafted to create a scientific and strategic transition system that ensures promising youth athletes are not lost in the jump to elite levels.
“Ninety percent of the kids representing IJA are champions from the Youth Games,” said Olopade. “Those who have now upset the status quo by winning medals have automatically been elevated to elite status and qualify for elite grants to prepare them for **the Olympic Games and the Commonwealth Championships next year.”
He added that while the initial goal was merely to provide exposure to the junior athletes, their outstanding performances have proven they are ready to compete alongside Nigeria’s best.
“Being the first time we are having this concept, we didn’t expect them to win medals – just to gain experience. But with four medals already won, it’s clear these juniors are not just participating – they’re fancying their chances with the big boys.”
A total of 38 junior athletes across multiple sports disciplines are representing the IJA at the 22nd National Sports Festival, and their early medal success signals a bright future for Nigeria’s sporting ambitions.
As the Gateway Games continue, all eyes will remain on these young athletes, whose determination and talent have already begun to reshape the narrative around youth development in Nigerian sports.
Signed:
Kola Daniel
Special Adviser on Media
Office of the Director General, NSC
May 20, 2025
