The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, has urged staff of the Agency systemwide participating at the 2025 NASENI Games to imbibe the spirit of unity, sportsmanship and innovation.

Halilu who stated yesterday this while declaring the 2nd edition of NASENI Annual Games open at the Moshood Abiola Stadium Abuja, emphasized that the games symbolizes more than just competition, it embodies the NASENI spirit of excellence, innovation, and family.

?This gathering is not only about sports but about pushing harder, faster, and working together as one NASENI family. We are all members of one movement, building a stronger and more innovative NASENI,? he stated.

He urged all participating teams to compete with passion and integrity, highlighting that the true value of the Games lies in discipline, focus, and unity rather than just winning medals. ?Sporting progress only happens when we give our best.

?The Games remind us that success at NASENI is driven by the same values that make great athletes, teamwork, discipline, and unity,? he added. He encouraged all NASENI centres and institutes to enjoy the event, support one another, and make the competition a memorable one.

?To every participant, give your all; to the supporters, make some noise. Let?s show that NASENI knows how to play hard and work hard.?

In his welcome remarks, Chairman of the NASENI Sports Committee, Engr. Bernard Ozigi, expressed gratitude to the EVC for his continuous support and commitment to staff welfare, health, and well-being. He noted that the second edition of the NASENI Games provides not just a platform for competition, but an opportunity to foster love and camaraderie among staff.

Engr. Ozigi reminded participants that the essence of the games goes beyond trophies. ?These games promote discipline, fair play, and mutual respect and values that extend beyond the field, court, or track. ?Through this event, we showcase the NASENI spirit of excellence, teamwork, and innovation,? he said.

The opening day featured several exciting football matches across the male and female categories: Scores for male football matches played are: NASENI HQ 0-0 PEDI Ilesa; EMDI Akure 3-0 AMTDI Jalingo; SEDI Minna 3-0 NEEDI Nnewi; SOMMEDI 4-0 NSEL and for female football, NEDDI Nnewi 2-0 NASENI HQ Angels.

Also, special awards were presented Best Coordinating Subcommittee Member (Mr Adabayo John, EMDI Akure); Best Kitted Team ? ELDI Awka; Best Behaved Team- EMDI Akure, while Best Match Pass Team trophy was won by the NASENI Headquarters team.

The event which climaxes with a closing ceremony on Thursday, October 23, 2025 features eight registered indoor and outdoor games such as male and female football, volleyball, badminton, chess, scrabble, table tennis, lawn tennis, etc. Participating teams cut across all the NASENI Institutes, centres and headquarters.

?PHOTO: Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu (middle) kicks a ball to signal the opening of the NASENI Games 2025 at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja . . . Tuesday.

Update news