The President of the Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball Federation, Seyi Johnson, has refuted claims that the Ogun State Government has designated wheelchair basketball as a compulsory sport for the upcoming 2024 National Sports Festival, known as the Gateway Games.

Johnson clarified that these reports are inaccurate and misrepresent the discussions that took place during the Extraordinary National Council of State meeting held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

"I would like to take this opportunity to clarify that wheelchair basketball was never included in the list of compulsory sports by Ogun State for the Gateway Games," he stated.

"Such an event did not occur, and the communiqué released following the extraordinary council meeting clearly outlined all decisions made regarding the sports festival in Ogun State and future events."

He urged media representatives to verify their information before publicizing it to prevent the spread of misinformation and misleading headlines.

"The discussions were productive, focusing on enhancing the upcoming sports festival in Ogun State and improving future games to align with the new vision of the current leadership of the National Sports Commission. The Nigeria wheelchair basketball community fully supports this new direction for sports in the country," he concluded.

Johnson emphasized that wheelchair basketball remains an optional sport for the forthcoming festival, a status that has not changed.

The 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival in Ogun State is scheduled to take place from May 16 to May 30, 2025.