BY BEN OGBEMUDIA
Team Delta has become the champions of the 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF) as curtains fall on the competition on Thursday at the Moshood Abiola Stadium.
Team Delta topped the medals table after winning 122 gold, 95 silver and 105 bronze medals, while Team Bayelsa came second with 90 gold, 61 silver and 70 bronze medals.
Team Ogun finished a distant third with 89 gold, 44 silver and 77 bronze medals.
Team Rivers took the fourth position with 74 gold, 56 silver and 61 bronze medals, while Edo secured 63 gold, 95 silver and 113 bronze medals to come fifth.
The victory in Abeokuta is Team Delta’s ninth NSF triumph and the state’s fifth consecutive victory.
The 11-day-long sporting festival saw over 10,000 athletes in Abeokuta to participate in 30 sports.
Fans at the games were left with warm memories of Davido’s dazzling performance in the opening ceremony and Ogun clinching the men’s football gold medal after thrashing Kwara in the final before a packed stadium.
a handful of disappointing incidents occurred, including the disqualification of athletes due to doping issues, a tanker explosion at the games venue, and a protest by Ogun athletes over unpaid allowances.
The Executive Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Onoriode Oborevwori, dedicated the win to the state governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, as part of the celebrations for his two years in office.
“This victory is for His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, whose unwavering commitment to youth empowerment and sports excellence through the MORE Agenda has brought us this far.
“Even though some medal events are still to be concluded, our commanding lead confirms that Delta is once again number one,” said Oborevwori.
Oborevwori praised the athletes, coaches, and the whole Team Delta for their discipline, hard work, and dedication.
He said this success comes from smart investment and good leadership.
He stated, “This is not just about medals; it’s about building lives and inspiring hope. The MORE Agenda has opened doors for our youths to thrive through sports, and this win is proof of what is possible when leadership meets action.”
He also thanked the technical crew, administrators, and support staff for their hard work, saying they played a key role in Delta’s strong position in national sports.
He added, “As we look forward to receiving the championship trophy during the closing ceremony, we do so with gratitude, pride, and the determination to keep building champions.”