The National Sports Festival witnessed a major upset in Abeokuta as Ogun State’s Taiwo Ogunbanwo delivered a spectacular performance to snatch the gold medal in the men’s 10m air rifle event, toppling longtime national champion Okposo Esugo of Delta State.
The final, held at the Cinema Hall of the June 12 Cultural Centre in Kuto, Abeokuta, was charged with excitement as Ogunbanwo showcased precision and calm under pressure. Representing Team Ogun, he recorded a total of 225.4 points after 24 rounds of high-stakes shooting, emerging as the new champion ahead of the heavily favoured Esugo, who scored 223.5 points. Borno State’s Samuel Okanlawon finished in third place with 204.0 points to earn the bronze medal.
Ogunbanwo’s victory is particularly significant given the dominance of Delta State’s Okposo Esugo, who has reigned supreme in the 10m air rifle event for the past 15 years. Esugo’s long-standing record and status as Nigeria’s number one shooter made Ogunbanwo’s triumph even more remarkable.
This gold medal win adds a valuable boost to Ogun State’s overall medal haul at the ongoing multi-sport event, reaffirming the host state’s growing presence in shooting sports.
In addition to his individual achievement, Ogunbanwo, alongside teammate Oluremi Emmanuel, also secured a silver medal in the men’s 10m air rifle team event. The Ogun duo put up a commendable performance but were edged out of the gold by Delta’s experienced pair of Okposo Esugo and Diri Joseph.
Speaking shortly after his historic win, Ogunbanwo credited his success to the robust support and preparation provided by the Ogun State government. According to him, the timely provision of modern shooting equipment and structured training plans played a crucial role in his readiness for the competition. He also acknowledged the motivating impact of the N2.5 million cash incentive pledged by Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, describing it as a morale booster that pushed him to go all out for gold.
Ogunbanwo’s outstanding performance marks a turning point in Nigeria’s competitive shooting scene and signals a potential generational shift at the top. As Ogun State continues to climb the medal table, their shooters are beginning to make a strong statement on the national stage, driven by determination, preparation, and strategic investment.
