A tragic road accident on Saturday claimed the lives of at least 21 Nigerian athletes who were returning home after competing in the National Sports Festival. The bus they were traveling in lost control and plunged off a bridge in the Kula area, leading to one of the deadliest road incidents involving sports personnel in recent years.
The vehicle, carrying 35 passengers—including athletes and officials affiliated with the Kano State Sports Commission—was en route from Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State in the southwest, to Kano State in the country’s north. The group had just concluded their participation in the multi-sport event, which brings together athletes from across Nigeria to compete in a variety of disciplines.
Umar Faggie, chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, confirmed the incident and identified the bus as an official vehicle of the commission. “The athletes were returning from the National Sports Festival when their bus went off the bridge,” Faggie said, describing the accident as deeply devastating for the sporting community and the state at large.
Emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene. Survivors were rushed to a nearby hospital, where they are receiving medical attention. While the full extent of the injuries sustained has not yet been disclosed, officials are monitoring the situation closely as families and colleagues await updates on the conditions of those hospitalized.
Condolences have poured in from across the country. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his sorrow over the loss, calling the victims “the very best of our nation—dedicated, talented, and full of promise.” He wrote, “I am heartbroken by the news of the tragic accident that claimed the lives of 21 Kano State athletes returning from the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta. Their dedication to representing their state and country is a testament to their character and spirit.”
The National Sports Festival, often referred to as Nigeria’s version of the Olympics, is a biennial event aimed at promoting national unity, identifying emerging sports talent, and encouraging excellence in a broad range of disciplines including athletics, football, basketball, volleyball, and others. Athletes from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory converge to compete, making it a critical platform for sports development in the country.
This year’s festival, held in Abeokuta, was marked by intense competition and celebration of athletic achievement. However, the tragic loss of these young lives has cast a somber shadow over what was meant to be a moment of pride and triumph for the athletes and their state.
As the nation mourns, tributes continue to highlight not just the potential lost but also the urgent need for improved safety measures for athletes and officials traveling long distances for national events. Investigations into the cause of the accident are underway.