As the 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged Gateway Games 2024, approaches its grand finale on Thursday (today), reigning champions Delta State are in an unassailable lead to claim their fifth consecutive title, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
With about 10,000 athletes vying for 2,150 medals across 549 events since May 16, the festival has showcased Nigeria’s rich sporting talent and diversity.
Delta State are leading the standings with 98 gold, 66 silver, and 80 bronze medals, well ahead of second-placed Bayelsa with 69 gold, 45 silver and 50 bronze medals.
While Delta lead with a significant haul, hosts Ogun State are third ahead of the final day with 59 gold, 50 silver and 55 bronze medals.
Reigning champions, Delta State stormed Ogun State with a large contingent of 1,100 athletes and officials.
The contingent consists of 704 athletes, 160 technical officials, 16 officiating officials, and 220 accompanying personnel.
Delta State hosted the last edition of the sports festival in 2022 and have won the last four editions.
They also won in Bauchi 2000 before adding three consecutive titles in Abuja 2004, Gateway 2006 and Kada 2009.
Meanwhile, states like Edo, Lagos, Oyo and Rivers have also made significant strides, with their athletes clinching medals in various disciplines.
With few events left to be decided on the final day in athletics and other events, the chances of a late change in the top five are most likely between Edo State in fifth place with 49 gold medals and Rivers in fourth place with 52 gold medals.
This year, the National Sports Commission introduced the Invited Junior Athletes as the 38th state at the multi-sports event, and they made their presence count with two gold medals, eight silver and eight bronze medals as well.
