The 2024 National Sports Festival in Abeokuta—also tagged the Gateway Games—delivered a thrilling spectacle as Nigeria’s brightest athletic talents put on a medal-winning showcase of grit, determination, and national pride.
Squash Queen Rofiat Abdulazeez Dominates
Kwara State’s Rofiat Abdulazeez proved once again why she remains unshaken at the top of Nigeria’s squash rankings. With an iron will and graceful skill, Abdulazeez powered through every event she entered, returning home with an astounding haul of 3 gold medals (Singles, Doubles, and Team events) and 1 silver medal (Mixed Doubles). For five consecutive years, she has held the title of Nigeria’s number one female squash player, and this Festival simply reinforced her reign.
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Redemption for Hamid Sambo in the 800m
After narrowly missing out on the 1500m title, Edo State’s Hamid Sambo made an epic comeback in the men’s 800m event. Determined not to settle for silver again, Sambo delivered a Lifetime Best of 1:50.42, clinching gold in spectacular fashion. It was his first time running under 1:51, and the pace he set pulled Ayomide Olaitan (Ogun) to a personal best of 1:51.10 (silver) while Oluwatimileyin Ayobami (Oyo) took bronze with 1:52.38.
Ronke Akanbi Shines in Steeplechase
Ogun State’s Ronke Akanbi made a strong case for being Nigeria’s next long-distance sensation. She bagged her second gold medal of the festival by winning the women’s 3000m Steeplechase in 10:28.55, outpacing Esther Chihurumnanya (Abia) and Yilmunen Gokung Nichol (Plateau) to underline her rising profile in endurance events.
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Comfort James Delivers Festival Record and Emotional Win
In the women’s 800m, Comfort James of Akwa Ibom etched her name into the festival’s history books. Not only did she win gold, but she also set a new personal best of 2:04.05, elevating her state to 10th position in the medal table and pushing FCT down a place. The victory was all the more satisfying given her earlier setbacks in the 1500m and a painful eye injury.
Wisdom Great Musa Finally Strikes Gold
After years of trying, Delta State’s Wisdom Great Musa finally secured a National Sports Festival title in the 110m Hurdles, clocking a Season’s Best of 14.15s. The emotion was palpable as Musa, long denied his place at the top, held off a spirited challenge from Samuel Osadolor (Edo) and Olawale Abdullahi (Kwara).
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Faith Osamuyi’s Golden Hurdles Run
For Edo State’s Faith Osamuyi, the 100m Hurdles final was nothing short of spectacular. She not only won gold but did so in style, recording a Personal Best of 13.23s to claim a commanding victory over Grace Ayemoba (Oyo) and Janet Sunday (Anambra).
Blessing Oborududu: A Heroine’s Farewell
The most emotional moment of the festival belonged to Blessing Oborududu. Nigeria’s only Olympic wrestling medalist officially retired from the sport at the very venue where her journey began—Ogun State. In her final bow, she delivered a dominant performance, defeating Rita Odede (Nasarawa) in the 68kg wrestling final to clinch gold for Bayelsa State. Her career, which began at the 2006 Gateway Games, came full circle in Abeokuta.
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“Wrestling has been my life,” Oborududu said. “This is the perfect ending.”
As the curtains fall on the 2024 National Sports Festival, these moments stand as a testament to the passion and potential of Nigerian sports.
Picture Credit: Making of Champions Facebook Page
