Delta State reaffirmed its supremacy in taekwondo by emerging as the overall champion at the 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged Gateway Games 2024.

The five-day event, held at Ilisan Town Hall, saw the defending champion clinching an impressive haul of five gold, two silver, and four bronze medals.

Delta’s dominance was particularly evident in the Poomsae (demonstration) category, where they secured gold in the male and female team events, as well as the pair event. National champions Olusola Olowookere and Kolade Paul added to the tally with gold medals in the men’s lightweight and middleweight divisions, respectively, helping Delta top the medal table.

Oyo State finished second overall with three gold, four silver, and four bronze medals, while Osun State came third, securing three gold, one silver, and two bronze medals.

Host state Ogun placed fourth with two gold, five silver, and three bronze medals. Bayelsa and Rivers States also claimed two gold medals each, but Bayelsa edged ahead with two silver and six bronze medals, compared to Rivers’ lower medal count.

Speaking on the quality of competition, Victor John, Technical Director of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, praised the event’s competitiveness and the emergence of promising new talent.

“I’m excited by the hunger and potential shown by the new athletes. We’ve identified several for the national camp. While many are still raw, with proper training and exposure, they can become world-class competitors,” John said.

“This year’s festival showcased high-quality bouts across all weight categories. We hope this momentum continues across states to build a strong national team for future events like the African Games and Olympic qualifiers,” he added.

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Five-time world champions Golden Eaglets have zoomed into the semifinals of the football event of the 22^nd National Sports Festival ongoing in Ogun State.

Abdulmuiz Adeleke, who netted the first goal in the 2-1 win over Edo State on Monday, came up big with a brace against Ebonyi State in Friday morning’s quarter-final encounter, which the Eaglets won 5-0 to sail into the last four.

Mohammed Imrana, scorer of the second goal against Edo State, was also among the goals, though he was unlucky to bag a red card in the closing minutes of the encounter. Destiny Samuel and Emmanuel Ochigbo were the other scorers.

On Thursday, the Flamingos drew 0-0 with Lagos State. They lead their group B with five points, ahead of Friday evening’s final group stage clash with Enugu State, who are pointless.

Delta and Lagos State are fast on the Flamingos’ heels with four points each.

Osun State leads the four-team group A with seven points, with Ogun and Edo States on five and four points respectively.

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Traditional leaders, Delta State, have narrowed the lead by Bayelsa State on the medals table as the Games of the 22nd National Sports Festival enter the fifth day.

With 31 gold, 11 silver and 28 bronze medals, totalling 70, the highest so far, Delta State are at the brink of overtaking Bayelsa State at the top.

Nigeria’s most southern state has recorded 32 gold, 14 silver and 15 bronze, totalling 61, to maintain a slim leadership as they are just a gold medal ahead of Delta State.  

Their neighbours, Rivers State are a distant third having amassed 15 gold, 11 silver and 11 bronze, totalling 37 medals. In essence, the powerhouse of Nigerian sports still remains in the contagious Niger delta region.

Hosts, Ogun State, are gradually swimming up to the top ranks having climbed to the fourth position. They have won 10 gold, 12 silver and 16 bronze medals, even as they are being trailed by one of their neighbours, Oyo State who are fifth.

One of the traditional powerhouses of the festival, Lagos State are yet to find their rhythm, as they were sixth as at close of events on Thursday.

Follow the live medals table here.