GatewayGames2024: Delta State emerge NSF champions

Delta State have shown their superiority once again, as they emerged champions of the 22nd National Sports Festival in Ogun State, www.aclsports.com reports.

The glamorous festival that was widely celebrated across the nation reached its climax on Thursday when the closing ceremony took place at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta.

After a slow start, Team Delta recovered to clinch their fifth successive National Sports Festival triumph.

Following the final update on the official website as at 8am on Friday, the Big Heart State bagged 126 gold medals, 100 silver medals and 111 Bronze medals. In total, they finished with 337 medals.

Hosts Team Ogun also finished well to secure second place with a total of 238 medals (93 gold, 65 silver & 80 bronze). Team Bayelsa, who were leaders at some point, finished in third place with a total of 228 medals (92 gold, 65 silver & 71 bronze).

Rivers finished with 199 medals to sit in fourth place, while Edo State, who won the most medals after Delta State, finished with 293 medals in total.

Lagos and Oyo finished in 6th and 7th place with 169 and 126 medals respectively. Federal Capital Territory took eight spot with 39 medals, followed by Osun State with 27 medals and Akwa Ibom finished with 43 medals to complete the top 10. The festival ended with all the states winning at least a medal except Gombe State.

Meanwhile, Anambra State won the Gender Balance Award at the 22nd National Sports Festival. The state was recognised for achieving a 50-50 representation of male and female athletes, setting a national example in promoting equity, inclusion, and equal opportunity in sports participation.

The next edition of the National Sports Festival will hold next year in Enugu, and it has been tagged “Coal City Games 2026”.