Team Delta has once again emerged champions of the 22nd National Sports Festival, securing their fifth consecutive title and reaffirming their position as Nigeria’s premier sporting powerhouse.
At the Gateway Games 2024 held in Abeokuta, Ogun State,’ Team Delta topped the medals table after winning 122 gold, 95 silver and 105 bronze medals, while Team Bayelsa came second with 90 gold, 61 silver and 70 bronze medals during the sports fiesta that ended at the Moshood Abiola Stadium on Thursday.
Team Ogun finished a distant third with 89 gold, 44 silver and 77 bronze medals.
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Team Rivers took the fourth position with 74 gold, 56 silver and 61 bronze medals, while Edo secured 63 gold, 95 silver and 113 bronze medals to come fifth.
The victory in Abeokuta is Team Delta’s ninth NSF triumph and the state’s fifth consecutive victory.
Recall that Team Delta won their first National Sports Festival title in Bauchi 2000 Games, regaining the title in Abuja four year later in 2004 after losing it to hosts Edo in 2002. The state retained the title in Ogun in 2006 and Kaduna in 2009.
Similar to 2002, Team Delta lost the title to host Rivers State in 2011 but reclaimed it in Lagos in 2012, and subsequently in Abuja in 2018, Edo in 2020, Delta in 2022, and now at the Gateway Games 2024.
Fans at the games were left with warm memories of Davido’s dazzling performance in the opening ceremony and Ogun clinching the men’s football gold medal after thrashing Kwara in the final before a packed stadium.
However, a handful of disappointing incidents occurred, including the disqualification of athletes due to doping issues, a tanker explosion at the games venue, and a protest by Ogun athletes over unpaid allowances.
The Executive Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Onoriode Oborevwori, dedicated the win to the state governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, as part of the celebrations for his two years in office.
“This victory is for His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, whose unwavering commitment to youth empowerment and sports excellence through the MORE Agenda has brought us this far.
“Even though some medal events are still to be concluded, our commanding lead confirms that Delta is once again number one,” said Oborevwori.
Oborevwori praised the athletes, coaches, and the whole Team Delta for their discipline, hard work, and dedication.
He said this success comes from smart investment and good leadership.
He stated, “This is not just about medals; it’s about building lives and inspiring hope. The MORE Agenda has opened doors for our youths to thrive through sports, and this win is proof of what is possible when leadership meets action.”
He also thanked the technical crew, administrators, and support staff for their hard work, saying they played a key role in Delta’s strong position in national sports.
He added, “As we look forward to receiving the championship trophy during the closing ceremony, we do so with gratitude, pride, and the determination to keep building champions.”
Obasanjo Lauds Talent Display As Delta Clinches 5th Consecutive Victory
Meanwhile, former President Olusegun Obasanjo described the 22nd National Sports Festival, as a triumph of national unity and a talent showcase.
In a virtual address, Obasanjo remarked that the Gateway Games reminded Nigerians that every young person possessed the potential for greatness and the capacity to excel.
“I deliver this message not only as a former head of state but also as a proud son of Ogun State. I was with you during the colourful and spectacular opening ceremony. I watched the event from the comfort of my room, and indeed, the Gateway Games 2024 have proved to be more than just a sports festival; they are a triumph of unity, a showcase of talent, and an embodiment of national cohesion.
“Over these past two weeks, we have witnessed Nigerian sons and daughters from every region competing not only for medals but for honour, forging friendships and rejuvenating hope for a united country.
Obasanjo praised the state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for conducting a wonderful event.
“Your leadership, commitment, and dedication have delivered a sports festival and a legacy. You have shown Ogun State’s strength, capacity, and hospitality. This was a world-class event by any standard, and you have raised the bar for us to follow in the future,” he told the governor.
The former president also praised athletes and officials from across the federation, and the National Sports Commission for their roles in delivering a worthy tournament.
The 11-day sporting festival saw over 10,000 athletes in Abeokuta participated in 30 sporting activities.
