Seven sports for South West Games 2025

The six states in the southwest region of the country have agreed to have seven sports at the maiden edition of the South West Games which will be held from March 25 to 29 in Lagos, just as they have also expressed readiness for the games.

The six sports are football, basketball, table tennis, boxing, athletics, volleyball, and archery.

This announcement followed an intensive meeting between state sports directors and event organisers, Practagali Partners last Friday.

According to the organisers, football will feature 18 male players with seven coaches, table tennis will include one male and one female player, boxing will have four male participants, and athletics will have four male and four female athletes. Basketball, volleyball, and archery will also see a mix of participants, reflecting the diversity of talent across the region.

Adding to the excitement, the event will feature a premier sub-tournament, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Southwest Alliance Games (BATSWAG), designed to showcase the region’s most talented under-18.

“We are leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that the South West Games 2025 surpasses expectations,” Managing Director of Practagali Partners, Funmilola Adedipe said.

“The overwhelming support and readiness from the state sports directors have further energised our resolve to execute a truly historic competition.”

Director of Media for the Games, Victor Ganzallo, reinforced the broader significance of the event beyond competition.

“This tournament is about legacy. It is about giving young athletes a sense of purpose, a platform to excel, and an opportunity to dream beyond their immediate environment. BATSWAG and SWG 2025 will serve as a vehicle for talent discovery and national sports development.”

To foster a strong regional identity, each state has chosen a distinctive colour for their team jerseys: Ekiti will wear blue, Lagos red, Ogun yellow, Ondo green, Osun white, and Oyo burgundy.

The designated venues for the games have also been finalised, with YABATECH Sports Complex hosting football and athletics.

Table tennis, volleyball, boxing, and archery are designated for the Teslim Balogun Stadium while Rowe Park Sports Complex will be the venue for basketball.

Participants will be accommodated at Faith Plaza and The Anglican House, both located near competition venues.

Every participant will receive a certificate of participation, with gold, silver, and bronze medals awarded in various categories while an overall trophy will be presented to the top three performing states.