By Timothy Odedina
Abeokuta – Team Ogun has made history at the ongoing National Sports Festival (NSF), tagged Gateway Games 2024, securing a historic second-place finish on the medals table—the state’s best performance since the inception of the competition.
The host state stunned spectators by surpassing expectations, amassing 93 Gold, 65 Silver, and 80 Bronze medals, edging out Bayelsa State, which dropped to third place with 92 Gold, 65 Silver, and 71 Bronze medals. Defending champions Delta State retained their dominance, finishing atop the table with a staggering 126 Gold, 100 Silver, and 111 Bronze medals.
This year’s NSF marks a monumental milestone for Ogun State, which had never before finished higher than third in previous editions. The impressive outing underscores the state’s growing sporting prowess and the success of its grassroots sports development programs.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, who has heavily invested in sports infrastructure ahead of the festival, hailed the athletes for their resilience. “This is a proud moment for Ogun State. Our athletes have shown that with determination and support, we can compete with the best in Nigeria,” he said during the closing ceremony.
Team Delta reaffirmed its status as Nigeria’s sports powerhouse, extending its winning streak in the NSF. Since first clinching the title at the Bauchi 2000 Games, Delta has remained a dominant force, only briefly losing the crown to host states—Edo (2002) and Rivers (2011). Their latest victory at Gateway Games 2024 further cemented their legacy as the most successful team in the festival’s history.
Bayelsa State, which had led the table in the early stages, narrowly missed out on second place, finishing just one gold medal behind Ogun. Nevertheless, their performance remains commendable, showcasing the state’s rising profile in Nigerian sports.
With the curtains drawn on the Gateway Games 2024, attention now shifts to the next host state, as Team Ogun’s breakthrough performance sets a new benchmark for future competitions. Sports analysts suggest that if Ogun sustains its current momentum, it could soon challenge Delta’s long-standing supremacy.
Final Medals Table (Top 3)
1. Delta State – 126 Gold, 100 Silver, 111 Bronze
2. Ogun State – 93 Gold, 65 Silver, 80 Bronze
3. Bayelsa State – 92 Gold, 65 Silver, 71 Bronze
The 2024 NSF will be remembered as the edition where Ogun State defied expectations, proving that with home support and strategic investment, underdogs can rise to the pinnacle of Nigerian sports.
