Fuji legend Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as K1 d Ultimate, and Afropop sensation Wande Coal lit up the closing ceremony of the 2024 National Sports Festival in grand style at the MKO Abiola International Stadium in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Thursday.
Their unforgettable performances marked the climax of the 12-day sporting fiesta, which featured over 10,000 athletes from across Nigeria competing under the theme Gateway Games 2024.
The night of celebration kicked off with a soulful rendition of the national anthem by singer Waje, setting the tone for what would become a memorable evening.
Dance troupe Xplicit delivered a high-energy performance that wowed the audience, before athletes from different states took the stage for their ceremonial dances, each contingent showcasing its unique cultural identity.
The closing ceremony coincided with two major celebrations for Ogun State — the 65th birthday of Governor Dapo Abiodun and the second anniversary of his second term in office. In a surprise gesture, members of the governor’s cabinet celebrated the milestone with a birthday tribute, drawing cheers from the crowd.
However, the arena truly came alive when K1 d Ultimate took the stage, captivating fans with his evergreen Fuji melodies.
Then came Wande Coal, the Mushin-born star, who electrified the atmosphere with a string of classic hits, leaving the audience dancing and singing along to songs that defined a generation.
As athletes prepare to return to their respective states, the ceremony served as a fitting end to a successful edition of Nigeria’s biggest multi-sport event.
