​NSF 2022: Big Heart State retain National Sports Festival title as Ogun host next edition

By Sunny Canto

Astonishing and euphoria moment at Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Delta State Nigeria; where fireworks, music performances, cultural display, match past, athletics stars thrilled crowd of fans across the globe.

However, 'Big Heart' state won the National Sports Festival for a record of 7th consecutive time, apart from 3 months preparations in camp with incentives given to thousand athletes.

The Champions maintaining the lead as overall winner of the sports fiesta with 649 medals (320 gold, 200 silver  and 120 bronze) at the just concluded 2022 National Sports Festival in Asaba, Delta State.

While Bayelsa clinched the second position with 337 medals (132 gold, 115 silver, 90 bronze) as Edo finished third with 339 medals  (78 gold, 94 silver, 167 bronze) thereby proving all bookmakers wrong. 

Featuring 38 sporting events that serves as readiness for Paris 2024, therefore giving the participants avenue to showcase their bravery skills, talents among foreign counterparts.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Youths and Sports Development, said "For two weeks, Nigeria's best athletes have gathered here to compete for laurels, and our Ministry will continue to create an enabling environment for sports to grow in Nigeria" Dare assure.

He add, "We have to work together as one big happy family; remember making it to this level, you are all winners" Sunday Dare told.

Amazingly, this year edition recorded incredible performance from Ayomide Bello, Mitelewon Feirrie, Esther Toko of Rowling/Canoe/Kayak events as Deborah Opochini, Ifiezibe Gagbe in Swimming plus 15 year old Cyclist: Miss Godwin, Samuel John for Handball, 17 years old 10,000 runner, 8 years old gymnast among other successful ones. 

According to Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, the Governor of the State during the extraordinary meeting of National Council on Sports, "In Delta, anything we want to do, we do it to the satisfaction of everyone" he said.

Notwithstanding, the NSF is aim at talents building, promote National Unity, develop sports at grassroots level, to curb age cheating, encourage early participation, enhance culture and education; also Ogun State will host 2024 edition.

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