Bayelsa and Delta states have emerged as the undisputed front-runners at the 2024 National Sports Festival (NSF), tagged Gateway Games Ogun 2024, as Day 5 concluded with both states pulling away from the rest of the field in a compelling two-horse race for medals supremacy.
The drama and intensity at the festival hit a crescendo on Thursday as Bayelsa extended their dominance, thanks largely to a commanding performance in the weightlifting arena, while defending champions Delta remained hot on their heels with victories across several categories.
Bayelsa’s Weightlifting Might Proves Decisive
At the NYSC Orientation Camp in Sagamu, Team Bayelsa flexed its weightlifting muscle, raking in an impressive nine gold medals on the final day of the event. Their clean sweep in five categories helped solidify their position at the summit of the medals table.
In the Women’s +87kg category, Caroline Albert proved unmatchable, winning three gold medals with lifts of 100kg (snatch), 120kg (clean & jerk), and a 220kg total. She was followed by Sandra Ndukwe of Rivers and Joy Yakubu of Benue, who claimed silver and bronze, respectively.
In the Men’s 102kg division, Adeyemi Abayomi added another triple-gold haul for Bayelsa, lifting 140kg in the snatch, 175kg in the clean & jerk, and finishing with a 315kg total.
To cap off the event, Lucky Joseph lifted Bayelsa to further glory in the +109kg category with another triple-gold outing—145kg in the snatch, 175kg in the clean & jerk, and 320kg total.
Delta Not Giving Up Their Crown
Despite Bayelsa’s lead, Team Delta are proving they won’t relinquish their title without a fight. Lifter Desmond Akano successfully defended his Men’s 96kg crown, mirroring his triple-gold feat from Asaba 2022.
In a surprising upset in the Women’s 81kg class, Delta’s Bosa Uchenna defeated highly-tipped Taiwo Liadi of Oyo, sweeping all three gold medals in the process.
Delta’s consistency has kept them in striking distance of Bayelsa, as the festival moves into its business end.
Emerging Stars Light Up Weightlifting
Outside the two powerhouses, other states recorded standout performances. Osun’s Edim Emmanuel clinched triple gold in the Men’s 81kg category, while Plateau’s Daniel Christopher also grabbed all three gold medals in his class.
Edo’s Daniel Abdulihen delivered a surprise performance in the Men’s 109kg division, winning two golds and a silver. Meanwhile, his teammate, Benjamin Agboghidi, fresh from an international course, won three silver medals in the +109kg category, underlining Edo’s depth in the sport.
The President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, Ibrahim Abdul, praised the quality and competitiveness of the event.
“It was a complete success for us. We discovered new talents who, with proper grooming, could excel at international competitions,” he said.
Tennis: Ekpeyong, Quadri On Song
At the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Bayelsa’s top seed David Ekpeyong cruised past Morakinyo Adewale of Oyo 4-0, 4-0 in a dominant display that lasted under 30 minutes.
> “I’m happy to be back on court. My opponent was solid, but I was better today,” said Ekpeyong, who faces Rubi Toba of Taraba next.
In the women’s draw, Delta’s Barakat Quadri was equally ruthless, dispatching Benue’s Iornumun Mary 4-0, 4-0. She is set for a second-round showdown with Rebecca Ekpeyong of Bayelsa.
Other Men’s Tennis Results:
Danjuma Lucky (FCT) def. Henry Nwosu (Imo) 4-0, 4-0
Abua Candice (Rivers) def. Abdul Mohammed (Nasarawa) 4-2, 4-2
Mohammed Amir (Ijaw) def. Akwaowo Akwa (Akwa Ibom) 4-2, 4-1
Olabode Lawal (Lagos) def. Ehigiamusoe Endurance (Edo) 5-4(5), 4-2
Women’s Tennis Results:
Maxwell Timipre (Rivers) def. Alice Paul (Ondo)
Omotayo Blessing (Edo) def. Ganiyu Fatima (Oyo) 4-1, 4-1
Adewusi Jesutoyosi (Ekiti) def. Yakubu Oiza (Ogun) 4-2, 4-2
Moses Favour (Kaduna) advanced to face Udofa Mary
Chess Blitz: Rivers and Bayelsa Share Honours
The blitz chess event saw Rivers dominate the men’s category with gold and silver, while Bayelsa swept both gold and silver in the women’s competition. Delta secured a bronze in the women’s event, maintaining their presence across sports.
Football: Kaduna Books Quarterfinal Berth
In football, Team Kaduna’s male side, popularly called the “Uba Sani Boys,” secured a 2-0 win over Imo to top Group C and earn a quarterfinal spot. They will face Lagos in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter.
Day 5 Medals Table Snapshot
At the end of Day 5, Bayelsa holds a narrow but crucial lead at the top of the medals table with 30 golds. Delta trails with 21, while Rivers, Oyo, and Lagos round out the top five.
As the Gateway Games enters its crucial stages, the battle between Bayelsa and Delta promises to go down to the wire, keeping fans and athletes on edge in what has been a highly competitive and thrilling festival.
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