Delta State Reigns Supreme at Gateway Games 2024, Securing Fifth Consecutive National Sports Festival Title
Delta State has reaffirmed its position as Nigeria’s preeminent sporting powerhouse, clinching the championship title at the National Sports Festival for an unprecedented fifth consecutive time during the Gateway Games 2024, held in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The announcement was made by Bukola Olopade, Chairperson of the Main Organising Committee, during the closing ceremony on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 09:51 AM WAT, sparking celebrations among Delta’s contingent and supporters. Despite the final medal tally pending due to the ongoing Table Tennis event, Delta State’s commanding lead of 122 gold, 96 silver, and 105 bronze medals, totaling an impressive 323 medals, made their victory a foregone conclusion, underscoring their unmatched dominance across a wide range of sports disciplines.
This remarkable achievement is as result of Delta State’s long-standing commitment to sports excellence, driven by strategic investments in infrastructure, athlete training, and youth empowerment initiatives. Over the years, Delta has cultivated a robust ecosystem for sports development, including state-of-the-art training facilities, access to world-class coaching, and grassroots programs designed to identify and nurture talent from an early age. These efforts have not only produced consistent results at the National Sports Festival but have also positioned Delta as a beacon of sporting success, inspiring other states to elevate their programs. The state’s holistic approach, which combines financial support, mentorship, and opportunities for young athletes, has solidified its reputation as a breeding ground for national and international champions.
In a thrilling development, Ogun State, the host of the Gateway Games 2024, staged a dramatic surge to claim second place on the medals table, overtaking Bayelsa in a closely contested battle. Ogun’s late push was propelled by exceptional performances, notably securing two additional gold medals and one silver in para table tennis, bringing their tally to 92 gold, 64 silver, and 78 bronze medals, for a total of 232. This achievement allowed Ogun to edge out Bayelsa, which recorded 91 gold, 61 silver, and 70 bronze medals, totaling 222.
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The intense competition for the runner-up spot captivated audiences and highlighted the growing depth of talent across Nigeria’s regions. As of the time of this report, the final official medal table is yet to be released, pending the conclusion of all events, but Ogun’s ascent has added an exciting narrative to the festival’s outcome.
The Gateway Games 2024 also served as a platform to advance social progress, with a strong emphasis on gender inclusion in sports. The Nigeria Olympic Committee’s Women Commission recognized the outstanding efforts of Anambra and Kogi States, along with the Invited Junior Athletes team, for their commitment to ensuring equal participation of women in their contingents. These teams were honored with special recognition trophies, celebrating their role in promoting gender equity and creating opportunities for female athletes to shine. This focus on inclusivity underscores the festival’s broader mission to not only crown champions but also foster a more equitable and diverse sporting landscape in Nigeria.
The Gateway Games 2024, hosted in the vibrant city of Abeokuta, have been a resounding success, uniting athletes, coaches, and fans from across the nation in a celebration of talent, resilience, and unity. Delta State’s continued dominance, Ogun’s remarkable rise, and the recognition of gender inclusion efforts highlight the evolving nature of Nigerian sports. As the nation awaits the final medal tally, the legacy of the Gateway Games 2024 will inspire continued investment in sports development, fostering a new generation of athletes and reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a sporting powerhouse on the African continent.
