Bayelsa Leads the Medal Race at Gateway Games 2024 in Ogun State

In the ongoing 2024 National Sports Festival, also known as the Gateway Games, Team Bayelsa has taken a commanding lead in the medal standings.

The multi-sport event, which is being held in Ogun State’s Abeokuta and other centres, has seen Bayelsa accumulate six gold, two silver, and one bronze medal, totaling nine medals so far.

Oyo State follows with a medal count of one gold, one silver, and one bronze, while Lagos State has amassed a total of ten medals, including three gold, four silver, and three bronze.

Cross River State, which initially topped the leaderboard after the second day with three gold medals, has now dropped to fourth place. Rivers State remains competitive with two gold, three silver, and one bronze medal.

The Invited Junior Athletes, who are considered the 38th state at the festival, have also made a strong showing with two gold, one silver, and one bronze medal, placing them sixth on the table.

Defending champions Delta State, who have won the last four editions of the games, currently hold seventh place with one gold, one silver, and one bronze medal.

So far, the festival has awarded 71 medals in total—23 gold, 23 silver, and 25 bronze. The competition continues with events such as weightlifting, women’s badminton, squash, swimming, tennis, gymnastics, and volleyball scheduled for Wednesday at venues including the MKO Abiola Sports Complex and Alake Sports Complex.

The festival remains a key platform for showcasing emerging and elite athletic talent across Nigeria.