BAT-SWAG: Inaugural Bola Ahmed Tinubu South West Alliance Games Set to Spotlight Region’s Athletic Prowess

A Grand Sporting Vision to Discover, Unify Budding Talents

All roads lead to March 2025. In the third month of the new calendar year, a grand new spectacle is set to unfold as the National Sports Commission (NSC) partners with Practagali Limited to host the maiden edition of the South West Games 2025. A sub-tournament of this pioneering initiative, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Southwest Alliance Games (BAT-SWAG), will serve as an illustrious platform to unearth and nurture the region’s next generation of sporting talents.

Like a well-struck gong resonating across the six Southwestern states—Ekiti, Lagos, Osun, Ondo, Ogun, and Oyo—this tournament heralds a new dawn of competitive sportsmanship, youth empowerment, and regional unity. More than a tournament, the South West Games 2025 is an epochal rallying call for athletes, policymakers, and sports enthusiasts to converge in celebration of skill, endurance, and the unifying spirit of the game.

The NSC, from its citadel of sports governance, has endorsed the historic event. In a declaration suffused with optimism, the Director General of the NSC, Bukola Olawale Olopade, underscored the Commission’s commitment to ensuring the Games achieve their full potential. “The South West Games 2025 and the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Southwest Alliance Games are not mere contests of athletic prowess; they are platforms for youth engagement, talent discovery, and community unity. The NSC recognizes the immense potential of this initiative to elevate sports development and nation-building.”

He further emphasized that beyond the spectacle of competition, these Games will become conduits for leadership growth, skill development, and economic stimulation across the region. To this end, the NSC has pledged its unwavering support in providing technical expertise, logistical assistance, and strategic direction to ensure the tournament meets international standards.

“By uniting people through sports, the Games will not only elevate the competitive landscape of the region but will also serve as an engine for fostering resilience, discipline, and social cohesion,” Olopade remarked. He lauded Practagali Limited for its visionary leadership in conceiving such an initiative, stressing that the synergy between government and private stakeholders will be crucial in redefining the Southwest as a veritable hub of sporting excellence.

The decision to host the inaugural edition of the South West Games in Lagos stands as a testament to the state’s towering reputation as the heartbeat of Nigerian sports. From its world-class sporting infrastructure to its history of hosting elite competitions, Lagos offers a fertile ground upon which this grand sporting vision will blossom.

The Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, expressed confidence in the state’s ability to deliver a spectacle worthy of its name. “Hosting the inaugural Bola Ahmed Tinubu Southwest Alliance Games is a reaffirmation of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s unwavering commitment to sports development. Lagos has consistently championed the cause of athletic excellence, making it the perfect launchpad for this historic initiative.”

Echoing this sentiment, Victor Ganzallo, the Spokesman for the Games, described BAT-SWAG as a potent tool to channel the energies of youth into productive ventures, particularly in an era where social vices lurk as omnipresent threats. He said, “Sports possess an unparalleled power to transform lives, and BAT-SWAG is designed to harness this power to inspire, uplift, and empower young people.

“The legacy of BAT-SWAG will be measured not just in the moments of triumph on the field but in the opportunities it creates, the lives it transforms, and the communities it uplifts. This is more than a sporting event; it is a movement.”

On her part, Funmilola Adedipe, the Managing Director of Practagali Partners, the Games are designed to be more than just an exhibition of athletic prowess—they will be a blueprint for youth engagement, grassroots talent development, and the cultivation of a robust sporting culture within the region. “The South West Games will not only provide a podium for young athletes to shine but will also catalyze the creation of a sustainable ecosystem where sports serve as a gateway to economic empowerment, education, and career advancement.”

The South West Games 2025 is geared to transcend the traditional confines of competition, offering an eclectic mix of sporting disciplines tailored to both contemporary and indigenous traditions. Competitions will span athletics (track and field), basketball, boxing, football, table tennis, and traditional African games such as Ayo-Olopon and Abula. In a commendable move towards inclusivity, the event will also feature adaptive sports, ensuring that athletes with disabilities are afforded an equal platform to showcase their skills.

Beyond the fanfare of medals and trophies, the South West Games 2025 is designed to leave an enduring imprint on the socio-economic fabric of the region. The influx of athletes, spectators, and corporate sponsors is expected to invigorate local economies, drive infrastructural enhancements, and foster an enduring culture of sports patronage.

Moreover, as the Games become institutionalized, they will serve as a breeding ground for future Olympians, national team prospects, and international sports icons. The organizers envision a tournament where every participant—whether triumphant or not—leaves with valuable lessons in discipline, teamwork, and resilience.

As the countdown begins to the inaugural South West Games 2025, the stakes have never been higher. For the NSC, Practagali Limited, and the Lagos State Sports Commission, this is a defining moment—a chance to etch an indelible chapter in Nigeria’s sporting annals.

With Lagos as its grand stage, and with the NSC’s strategic oversight, BAT-SWAG is primed to become a hub of talent discovery, youth engagement, and regional unity. The Southwest is on the cusp of a sporting renaissance as the echoes of competition reverberate across its landscapes.

The stage is set, the anticipation palpable. The South West Games 2025 beckon, promising a spectacle not merely to be witnessed, but to be felt in the very heartbeat of the region.

Eric Chelle Tasked with Steering Super Eagles to 2026 World Cup

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced the appointment of Eric Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles. The decision was made following a recommendation by the NFF’s Technical and Development Sub-Committee during a meeting held on January 2, 2025. The appointment was officially approved by the NFF Executive Committee on January 7.

A Coach with Proven Expertise

Chelle, 47, brings a wealth of experience to the Super Eagles. The former Mali national team coach led the Eagles of Mali to the quarterfinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire. Under his guidance, Mali narrowly missed out on a semifinal spot after a hard-fought 2-1 extra-time loss to the eventual tournament champions.

In addition to his international coaching achievements, Chelle has an impressive résumé at the club level, having managed teams such as GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran.

As a former player, Chelle represented French clubs including Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais. His vast experience both on and off the pitch is expected to bring fresh energy and tactical expertise to the Super Eagles.

Replacing Eguavoen and Addressing Challenges

Chelle replaces Austine Eguavoen, who served as interim coach following the resignation of Finidi George. George stepped down after Nigeria’s disappointing performances in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which included a draw against South Africa and a shocking defeat to the Benin Republic.

The Super Eagles’ struggles in recent times have heightened expectations for Chelle’s tenure. Fans and stakeholders alike are eager for a turnaround under the new leadership.

Immediate Task: World Cup Qualification

Chelle’s first and foremost task will be to secure Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals. With a talented pool of players and passionate support from fans, the Super Eagles are expected to rise to the occasion under his guidance.

The NFF expressed confidence in Chelle’s ability to bring stability and success to the national team, describing his appointment as a step towards revitalizing Nigerian football.

The Road Ahead

As Chelle steps into his new role, all eyes will be on him to restore the Super Eagles’ dominance on the continent and beyond. His journey begins immediately, with preparations for upcoming qualifiers set to test his leadership and strategic vision.