Abeokuta, Ogun State -
Team Ogun
In a stunning display of sporting excellence, Ogun State has made history at the 2024 National Sports Festival (NSF), also known as Gateway Games 2024, by securing a remarkable second-place finish on the medals table. This achievement marks the state's best-ever performance in the competition, surpassing expectations and cementing its growing reputation as a sporting powerhouse.
The host State, Ogun, amassed an impressive 93 gold medals, 65 silver medals, and 80 bronze medals, edging out Bayelsa State, which finished third with 92 gold medals, 65 silver medals, and 71 bronze medals. Defending champions Delta State retained their dominance, topping the table with a staggering 126 gold medals, 100 silver medals, and 111 bronze medals.
Ogun State's second-place finish is a testament to the state's growing sporting prowess and the success of its grassroots sports development programs. This achievement is all the more remarkable considering that Ogun had never finished higher than third in previous editions of the NSF. The state's athletes have proven that with determination and support, they can compete with the best in Nigeria.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, who had heavily invested in sports infrastructure ahead of the festival, hailed the athletes for their resilience. "This is a proud moment for Ogun State," he said during the closing ceremony. "Our athletes have shown that with determination and support, we can compete with the best in Nigeria."
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.
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 Gateway Games 2024 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. Sports analysts suggest that if Ogun sustains its current momentum, it could soon challenge Delta's long-standing supremacy. As the curtains draw on this year's festival, attention now shifts to the next host state, and the stage is set for future competitions that promise to be just as thrilling.
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