Team FCT is stepping up preparations for the 22nd National Sports Festival, also known as Gateway Games 2024, which will be held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Speaking to Abuja Digest, the Director of the FCT Sports Department, Mr. Luka Istifanus, shared his excitement and confidence in the team’s readiness.
“We started preparing gradually, and now we are fully ready for Abeokuta 2024,” he said. “I believe our athletes will make us proud.”
At the last festival in Delta State, Team FCT finished in ninth place. This year, the goal is to finish among the top seven teams. Mr. Istifanus said the team is aiming for 5th, 6th, or 7th place—and possibly even higher.
He mentioned gymnastics, karate, taekwondo, kung fu, athletics, and football as strong medal hopes, but said every sport is being taken seriously.
“We have trained with purpose. Even sports that didn’t do well before might surprise us this time,” he added.
Mr. Istifanus praised the combination of experienced athletes and rising stars on the team, noting that their energy and commitment are very strong.
He also thanked the FCT Administration for supporting the athletes, especially in areas like welfare and training. He described the current FCT leadership as “sports-loving” and said their support has made a big difference.
“Looking at the kind of support and funding we’re getting, I’m confident we will do better than we did in Delta State,” he said.
With training camps ongoing and athletes in high spirits, Mr. Istifanus revealed that this festival will be his last as Director of Sports.
“This festival is special to me. I want us to reach a position FCT has never reached before,” he said.
He also commended the coaches and athletes for their hard work, saying their dedication and team spirit will be key to FCT’s success in Abeokuta.
