In what can only be described as a landmark moment in Nigeria’s sporting history, Team Ogun delivered its best-ever performance at the National Sports Festival, clinching second position on the final medals table at the 2024 edition of the event, tagged Gateway Games, hosted in Ogun State.
The host state shocked many by surpassing pre-tournament expectations, finishing ahead of several traditional sporting powerhouses with a total haul of 93 gold, 65 silver, and 80 bronze medals. Ogun narrowly edged out Bayelsa State, which finished third with 92 gold, 65 silver, and 71 bronze medals. Defending champions Delta State once again proved their dominance by retaining the top spot with a commanding 126 gold, 100 silver, and 111 bronze medals.
For Ogun State, this second-place finish marks an unprecedented achievement in the annals of the National Sports Festival. The state had never gone beyond a third-place finish in previous editions. This remarkable leap underscores the impact of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s investment in sports infrastructure, athlete preparation, and grassroots development, all of which were ramped up ahead of the festival.
Speaking during the festival’s closing ceremony in Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun praised the athletes for their dedication and resilience. He described the victory as a defining moment in the state’s sporting journey, stating, “Our performance at this year’s festival is a testament to what can be achieved when talent meets opportunity. This is a proud moment not just for Ogun, but for every young athlete who dreams big. We are proving that Ogun State is ready to compete and win on the national stage.”
Team Delta, continuing its long-established reign, cemented its status as Nigeria’s undisputed sports powerhouse. Since claiming its first NSF title at the Bauchi 2000 Games, Delta has maintained a remarkable run, only briefly conceding the crown to host states Edo in 2002 and Rivers in 2011. Their latest triumph at the Gateway Games only reinforces their dominance, as they remain the most decorated state in the history of the competition.
Bayelsa State, which had shown early promise by leading the medals table during the first phase of the festival, ultimately settled for third place, missing the second spot by just one gold medal. Despite this narrow miss, Bayelsa’s consistent performance affirms the state’s growing prominence in Nigerian sports.
As the curtain falls on the 2024 National Sports Festival, many sports watchers agree that Team Ogun’s breakout performance has set a new benchmark and altered the competitive landscape. With strategic investments and a rising generation of homegrown talent, Ogun is now being touted as a potential challenger to Delta State’s long-standing supremacy.
Attention now turns to the next host state, with hopes that the momentum and competitive spirit witnessed at the Gateway Games will further energise Nigeria’s sporting culture.
Final medals standings saw Delta State maintain its grip on the top position, while Ogun’s leap to second place has become the defining story of the 2024 Games. For many, this edition will be remembered as the moment an underdog rose to national prominence, powered by vision, preparation, and the energy of a supportive home crowd.
