Bayelsa’s athletes continue to showcase exceptional talent and determination at the 22nd National Sports Festival (Gateway Games 2024) in Abeokuta, Ogun State. As the competition intensifies, Team Bayelsa swimmers delivered a stellar performance, securing multiple gold medals and reinforcing their reputation as one of Nigeria’s sporting powerhouses.
Bayelsa’s Triumph in the Pool
On Day Three of the swimming events, Bayelsa clinched six medals—four gold, one silver, and one bronze—highlighting their dominance and technical precision.
Dorcas Oka took gold in the women’s 200m backstroke, edging out competitors from Edo and Rivers States.- Oka doubled her gold tally in the 50m freestyle event, triumphing over swimmers from Ogun and Delta States.
Collins Ebingha secured silver in the men’s 50m freestyle, maintaining Bayelsa’s strong presence in the sprint category.
Beke Williams grabbed bronze in the men’s 200m backstroke, with Rivers claiming gold and Delta finishing second.- Bayelsa’s 4x100m mixed double freestyle relay team—Doutimi Gagbe, Yellow Yeyeh, Agnes John, and Azazi Ayibamieye—displayed exceptional teamwork, securing gold against Edo and Delta States.
- Men’s 4x100m freestyle relay also saw Bayelsa outclass Ogun and Delta States, adding another gold medal to their growing tally.
Track & Combat Sports Achievements
Beyond the swimming arena, Bayelsa athletes dominated across various disciplines, further strengthening their claim for glory at NSF 2024.
- Track Events: Bayelsa’s men’s and women’s teams successfully qualified for the 4x100m relay finals, setting the stage for a showdown in the final rounds.
- Hope Aruya delivered a championship-worthy gold medal performance in the women’s high jump, demonstrating skill and precision.
- Para-Athletics: Goodness Ojo triumphed in the men’s 100m T37/38 event, securing gold and continuing the state’s dominance in adaptive sports.
- Tennis: Bayelsa’s men’s singles player brought home silver, keeping the state’s medal count high in racket sports.
- Volleyball: Bayelsa’s men’s volleyball team progressed to the final, showcasing strength and teamwork.
- Judo: Selere Mathias conquered the women’s 48kg category, bagging gold and reinforcing Bayelsa’s reputation in combat sports.
- Squash: Victory Tontonye & Titilayo Akinleye secured a spot in the female doubles final, ensuring another opportunity for gold.
Bayelsa Maintains Top Contender Status
As the festival nears its climax, Bayelsa continues to hold second place on the official medals table, firmly competing against perennial champions Delta State.
Current Top Five Medal Standings
Delta State – 127 medals (54 gold, 25 silver, 48 bronze)
Bayelsa State – 93 medals (39 gold, 28 silver, 26 bronze)
Ogun State (Host) – 81 medals (31 gold, 20 silver, 30 bronze)
Rivers State – 80 medals (28 gold, 23 silver, 29 bronze)
Edo State – 138 medals (27 gold, 58 silver, 53 bronze)
Bayelsa’s unwavering commitment to excellence continues to shine at NSF 2024, with more historic victories ahead as they aim to close the gap at the top of the medal standings.
Stay tuned for the final medal count as Bayelsa continues its quest for national sporting glory!
