Team Nasarawa has brought pride and glory to the state by winning 18 medals at the just-concluded 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Despite being written off by some sports pundits prior to the commencement of the Festival, the 300-member contingent defied expectations and showcased exceptional talent, determination, and grit.
The state’s athletes won a total of 18 medals, comprising:
– 1 Gold Medal: Agada Elijah (Men’s Taekwondo Poomsae Demonstration Event)
– 4 Silver Medals:
– Charles Chiemerie Obayi (Men’s -85kg Kung-Fu Wushu category)
– Titkuromi Christopher (+57kg Men’s Wrestling Event)
– Hussaini Ibrahim (Men’s Para Table-Tennis Class 6 Standing Event)
– Rita Odede (Women’s +65kg Wrestling Event)
– 13 Bronze Medals:
– Ovey Haruna (Men’s -65kg Kung-Fu Wushu Event)
– Beauty Timothy (Women’s -52kg Kung-Fu Wushu category)
– Owulama Akolo (Men’s -90kg Kung-Fu Wushu Category)
– Sunmisola Popoola (Women’s -48kg Kung-Fu Wushu Event)
– Laadi Louisa Ihuo (Women’s -53kg Taekwondo Event)
– Mildred Monday (Women’s -62kg Taekwondo Event)
– Christabel Daniel (Women’s Karate -62kg category)
– Hamza Muntari (Karate’s Men’s -60kg category)
– Armstrong Allu (Dart Men’s 300 Singles Category)
– Muawiya Aliyu (Men’s Para Athletics T45-T47 400 Metres’ Race)
– Madu Daniel (Men’s +100kg Judo Event)
– Richard Ebidou (Men’s +70kg Wrestling Event)
– Blessing Appah (Women’s +62kg Wrestling category)
Nasarawa’s Female Hockey Team was honored with an outstanding recognition by the Nigeria Hockey Federation for parading the youngest squad at the Festival. The Zainab Sule-coached side won the Fair Play Award for their commitment and perseverance in the face of more exposed and highly experienced oppositions.
Nasarawa State-born International Judo Referee, Mrs. Esther Obile Allu, was elected into the Nigeria Judo Referees’ Association as Financial Secretary.
Team Nasarawa finished 25th overall on the medals table. Only FCT Abuja, Plateau, Kano, Kwara, Kaduna, Katsina, and Niger States performed higher than Nasarawa State in the medals table from the Northern Zone of the Country.
Team Delta emerged as overall winners of the Festival, scooping a total of 322 medals. Enugu State will host the 23rd edition of the Sports Festival in 2026.
