The second edition of the Gateway Snooker Tournament is set to take place from June 4 to June 7 at the Ijeja Sports Center, with organisers calling for sponsorship and partnership from corporate organisations and sports stakeholders.
The tournament, convened by Afolabi Roseline Bolanle, aims to build on the success recorded in its maiden edition and further promote the game of snooker in Nigeria and across Africa.
Registration has been officially opened for snooker enthusiasts from across Nigeria and internationally, with a registration fee of ₦100,000, payable through snookerz.com.
Speaking with journalists ahead of the competition, Afolabi revealed that the tournament, in conjunction with the Ogun State Ministry of Sports Development, under the Commissioner, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka has thrown its full support behind the tournament to ensure a successful outing.
She noted that the championship is designed not only as a competitive sporting event but also as a platform to nurture young talents, attract international players, and position Ogun State as a hub for cue sports in Africa.
According to the convener, winners of the tournament will compete for attractive cash prizes. The overall champion will go home with ₦2 million, while the runner-up will receive ₦1 million.
The two semi-finalists will each earn ₦500,000, while four quarter-finalists will receive ₦200,000 each. Players who reach the round of sixteen will also receive ₦100,000 each as part of the tournament’s reward structure.
Afolabi, therefore, appealed to corporate bodies, private organisations, and sports promoters to partner with the event, noting that sponsorship will help expand the competition, improve facilities, and increase international participation.
Our correspondent also reports that the debut edition of the tournament, held in November in Abeokuta, attracted 32 of Nigeria’s top snooker players, including Shehu Abana, a Guinness World Record breaker and one of the most recognised snooker players in the country.
The competition drew more than 1,500 spectators, turning the venue into a vibrant sporting arena and demonstrating the growing interest in snooker within the region.
Afolabi described the maiden edition as a “remarkable milestone” that successfully showcased the potential of snooker as an emerging sport in Nigeria.
She expressed optimism that the second edition will be bigger and more competitive, with more professional players expected to participate from different parts of the country and beyond.
Afolabi said, "With the support of the Ogun State Government and other partners, the Gateway Snooker Tournament will continue to grow into a major sporting event capable of attracting continental attention."
Our correspondent also report that the tournament is gradually positioning itself as a significant platform for discovering talents, promoting youth engagement, and elevating the profile of snooker in Nigeria.
