With passion, pride, and precision, Team FCT has launched its campaign at the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival (NSF) in impressive fashion, collecting five medals, one gold, two silver, and two bronze, just days into the competition.
This year’s edition, themed the Gateway Games, is being hosted by Ogun State at the historic MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta. The festival, widely regarded as Nigeria’s version of the Olympics, brings together athletes from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to showcase their talents in over 30 sporting disciplines.
For Team FCT, the early results are not just numbers on a medal chart; they are the embodiment of months of preparation, resilience, and a hunger to prove themselves on Nigeria’s grandest multi-sport stage.
One of the standout performers has been Esther Clement, who delivered a double podium finish in weightlifting. Competing with fierce determination, Clement secured a silver medal and a bronze medal in her category, setting the tone for what promises to be a breakthrough festival for the capital’s contingent.
“I’ve trained for this moment for a long time,” said Clement, beaming with pride after her medal ceremony. “To represent FCT and stand on the podium makes all the hard work worth it. But I’m not done yet.”
Another bronze medal in weightlifting further bolstered the team’s tally, confirming the discipline as one of FCT’s strongholds in this year’s games.
FCT also made waves in traditional sports, where strategy, precision, and cultural heritage take center stage. In the game of Ayo, a staple of Yoruba tradition, FCT captured its first gold medal of the competition, earning accolades from fans and sports officials alike.
“The Ayo team’s performance was simply electric,” said a member of the FCT delegation. “Their victory is a reminder that, beyond modern disciplines, traditional sports continue to hold their place in national unity and excellence.”
In taekwondo, the FCT team added a bronze medal to their collection after a series of grueling bouts against seasoned opponents. The medal was a reward for grit and strategic brilliance from the young fighter, who refused to bow under pressure.
With five medals secured in just the early days of the festival, Team FCT is far from content. Coaches, athletes, and officials alike are optimistic that the tally will rise as the festival enters its peak days.
“Our goal is to break into the top five on the medal table,” said a senior team official. “These early medals are just the beginning. We are competing across multiple events with athletes who are hungry for success.”
For the Federal Capital Territory, participation in the NSF is not just about medals, it’s about national representation, youth development, and the promotion of sports as a tool for unity and empowerment. Team FCT’s performance so far mirrors that mission, blending athletic excellence with patriotic fervor.
As the competition heats up, all eyes will be on FCT athletes as they aim to continue their medal-winning momentum and stake their claim among Nigeria’s sporting elite.
