The 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF) – Gateway Games 2024, which kicked off on May 16, 2025, officially came to a close on Thursday, May 30, 2025, with all 36 states and the FCT making their mark on the medals table.
One of the major innovations of this year’s festival was the introduction of the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA), a select group of talented upcoming stars competing across multiple disciplines to encourage grassroots sports development.
Closing Ceremony & Official Remarks
The festival wrapped up with a grand closing ceremony at the M.K.O. Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, attended by top dignitaries, including President of the Senate, His Excellency Senator Godswill Akpabio, representing President Ahmed Bola Tinubu. In his speech, Akpabio stated that the successful completion of the festival reaffirms Nigeria’s unity, emphasizing that sports will continue to strengthen national cohesion in future competitions.
Host Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun expressed pride in Ogun State’s role as host, noting that the event had boosted the state’s sporting reputation and infrastructure. Meanwhile, Hon. Bukola Olapade, Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and chairman of the Festival Main Organizing Committee (MOC), praised Ogun for being a gracious host, officially announcing Team Delta as the overall champions. However, he indicated that final placements for Team Bayelsa and Team Ogun in the second and third positions remain under review.
Looking ahead, NSC Director General Alhaji Shehu Diko confirmed that Enugu State will host the 23rd National Sports Festival, promising to build on the successes recorded in Ogun State.
Team Bayelsa’s Performance & Medal Standings
Team Bayelsa emerged as early leaders, maintaining their top spot until Day 7 of the 14-day competition before being overtaken by Team Delta, who secured their position as overall champions.
Final Medal Count (Provisional Standings)
🏆 Team Delta: 126 Gold, 100 Silver, 111 Bronze
🥈 Team Bayelsa: 92 Gold, 63 Silver, 72 Bronze (Pending final confirmation)
🥉 Team Ogun: 91 Gold, 65 Silver, 71 Bronze
Despite the medal shake-up, Team Bayelsa athletes displayed resilience and determination, with outstanding performances across several events. As the official final rankings are awaited, Bayelsa’s strong showing cements their status as a sporting powerhouse.
Looking Forward
With Enugu State set to host NSF 2026, expectations are high for another thrilling edition of Nigeria’s biggest multi-sport competition. Teams will now reflect on their performances, regroup, and prepare for the next chapter in the country’s dynamic sporting journey.
Published by : AMGBARE PEREOLOTU E.
Information Officer of the Bayelsa State Sports Council
