Nigeria, May 23 -- Day 5 of the National Sports Festival, tagged Gateway Games Ogun 2024, marked a critical point in the medal chase, with Team Bayelsa and Team Delta pulling away from the rest of the field in a thrilling two-horse race at the top of the table.

Bayelsa, led by a dominant performance in the weightlifting arena, continues to hold on to the number one spot. Their nine-gold medal haul on the final day of the weightlifting event proved decisive in keeping them ahead of the chasing pack.

Team Bayelsa's grip on the top spot was largely solidified by their performance in weightlifting at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Sagamu. The state swept nine gold medals across five weight categories, asserting their authority in the sport. ...