Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori has congratulated the triumphant Team Delta for emerging overall winners at the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival, held in Ogun State.
Governor Oborevwori, who was represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr. Ejiro Etacheruro, at the festival’s closing ceremony held at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, lauded the team for their outstanding performance and for successfully defending their title.
Team Delta clinched the top position with an impressive total of 337 medals—126 gold, 100 silver, and 111 bronze.
In a statement released on Friday in Asaba by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, the Governor commended the Delta State Sports Commission, the entire team, coaching staff, and all supporters for their unwavering commitment, hard work, and dedication, which culminated in yet another historic victory for the state.
Governor Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to advancing sports development across the State.
He emphasized that the successes recorded in recent years continue to inspire increased investment in sports infrastructure, training, and youth development.
“Our administration remains steadfast in promoting sports development, inspired not only by the achievements of our predecessors, but also by the legendary strides made by General Samuel Ogbemudia during his tenure as Governor of the defunct Bendel State,” Oborevwori said.
He further described the fifth consecutive victory as a testament to the spirit of excellence, resilience, and unity that defines Team Delta, assuring that his government would continue to provide the necessary support to maintain and surpass the current standards in sports.
Credible News reports that Team Delta delivered a stunning performance across various disciplines, securing a total of 323 medals, including 122 gold, 96 silver, and 105 bronze, to top the final medals table released on Thursday, May 29, 2025.
The biennial sports event, themed “Gateway Games 2024,” attracted thousands of athletes from Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
It showcased a wide range of sports, from traditional Nigerian games to Olympic-standard events. The National Sports Festival remains a pivotal platform for discovering emerging talent, promoting unity, and fostering sportsmanship among Nigeria’s youth.
Delta’s commanding lead was followed by Bayelsa State, which secured 92 gold, 62 silver, and 70 bronze medals, totaling 224 medals overall. The host state, Ogun, also performed impressively, winning 90 gold, 64 silver, and 78 bronze medals, finishing third with a total of 232 medals.
Rivers State and Edo State rounded off the top five. Rivers garnered 74 gold, 56 silver, and 63 bronze medals for a total of 193, while Edo, with a remarkable performance in various sports, finished with 63 gold, 96 silver, and 115 bronze, totaling 274 medals—the highest number of silver and bronze medals at the festival.
READ ALSO: Team Delta leads medals table at Gateway Games
In total, 2,052 medals were awarded across all states and the FCT during the event, reflecting a high level of participation and competition. The NSF, organized by the Federal Government of Nigeria, continues to serve as the country’s most comprehensive grassroots sports development initiative.
The final top ten on the medals table included:
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Delta (1st) – 122 gold, 96 silver, 105 bronze (323 total)
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Bayelsa (2nd) – 92 gold, 62 silver, 70 bronze (224 total)
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Ogun (3rd) – 90 gold, 64 silver, 78 bronze (232 total)
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Rivers (4th) – 74 gold, 56 silver, 63 bronze (193 total)
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Edo (5th) – 63 gold, 96 silver, 115 bronze (274 total)
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Oyo (6th) – 36 gold, 36 silver, 49 bronze (121 total)
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Lagos (7th) – 35 gold, 43 silver, 85 bronze (163 total)
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FCT (8th) – 14 gold, 8 silver, 17 bronze (39 total)
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Osun (9th) – 13 gold, 3 silver, 11 bronze (27 total)
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Akwa Ibom (10th) – 12 gold, 10 silver, 18 bronze (40 total)
Beyond the medals and standings, the NSF continues to be a symbol of national unity and youth development, giving opportunities to junior athletes and lesser-known talents to compete on a national stage.
The presence of Invited Junior Athletes (IJA), who collectively won 21 medals, underscores the importance of grooming young talent for future national and international representation.
As Delta celebrates its resounding victory, attention now shifts to Enugu State, the newly announced host for the 2026 edition of the National Sports Festival, which promises to raise the bar even further for grassroots sporting excellence in Nigeria.
NAN
