Daud Olatunji
Team Delta surged ahead in commanding fashion on Day 7 of the 2024 National Sports Festival, overtaking early leaders Bayelsa and stamping their authority across multiple disciplines, including taekwondo, swimming, and cycling.
The Gateway Games—being hosted in Abeokuta and other parts of Ogun State—entered a dramatic phase, with Day 7 delivering both triumph and controversy.
Delta Extends Lead, Edo Top Overall Count
Delta State now leads the medal standings with 44 gold, 19 silver, and 40 bronze medals—totaling 103. Their consistency across events saw them leapfrog Bayelsa, who now sit second with 33 gold, 26 silver, and 24 bronze medals (total: 82).
Rivers, Ogun, and Edo round off the top five. Interestingly, Edo currently holds the highest overall medal count (110) but remains fifth due to a lower number of gold medals.
Top 5 Medal Table (as of Day 7):
Athletics in Darkness: 10,000m Final Ends in Chaos
The day ended on a sour note as the men’s 10,000 metres final was overshadowed by a sudden power outage at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta. The floodlights went out mid-race and were not restored for nearly 20 minutes, forcing athletes to run in near darkness.
Despite improvised lighting from phones and car headlights, the race continued under dangerous conditions, drawing strong condemnation from athletes and officials.
“This is a national disgrace,” said Plateau State Sports Council Chairman, Ezra Guneni. “You train athletes for years, then the lights go out mid-race and return immediately after? This race should be cancelled.”
As of press time, event organisers had yet to provide an official explanation.
Cycling: Ukpeseraye Bounces Back, Delta Shine in Men’s Race
Olympian Ese Ukpeseraye redeemed herself in the women’s 500m cycling sprint, claiming gold for Rivers just a day after missing out on the 200m crown. Her teammate, Rosemary Marcus, took silver, while Delta’s Mary Samuel secured bronze.
In the men’s race, Delta’s Emmanuel Gabriel Udo struck gold, ahead of Rivers’ Jude Obinna and Ogun’s Omoke Johnson.
Basketball: Ogun Stuns Delta in Quarterfinal Upset
Host state Ogun continued its fairytale run in the men’s basketball event, eliminating tournament favourites Delta with a 65–57 quarterfinal win. Ogun, who did not compete in the previous edition, now await the winner of the FCT vs Adamawa clash in the semifinals.
Meanwhile, defending champions Rivers will lock horns with 2022 runners-up Lagos in a blockbuster semifinal tie.
Hockey: Imo in Must-Win, Oyo and Kaduna Advance
In women’s hockey, Imo face a must-win scenario against table-toppers Delta to keep their semifinal hopes alive. They must also hope Plateau drops points against Nasarawa.
In the men’s category, Oyo finished the group stage unbeaten and will now battle Lagos in the semifinals. Kaduna, who topped their group, will face Niger, who edged Delta on goal difference.
The table ; 
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