Concerns Mount Over Medal Collation and Transparency as Team Edo Dominates Gateway GamesBy Edoko Wilson Edoko

The 22nd National Sports Festival in Ogun State began with high expectations. Organizers had promised a more remarkable and efficient edition than in years past, and the opening ceremony at the MKO Abiola International Stadium did not disappoint—colorful, vibrant, and well-attended by athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators alike.

However, beneath the spectacle lies a troubling issue: the failure of the Main Organising Committee (MOC) to provide timely and accurate medal updates. Since the festival’s commencement, the collation and publication of medals—particularly gold, silver, and bronze—have been inconsistent and delayed.

This is deeply concerning in an era where global sports events rely on digital, automated systems to track medal counts in real time. The continued use of outdated, manual processes at this festival is not only inefficient but also reflects a troubling regression in sports administration.

Team Edo, in particular, appears to be affected. Despite winning several medals, especially gold, many of these have yet to appear on the official medals table days after the victories. In some cases, delays of three to four days have distorted the medal standings, undermining transparency and fairness.

While updates for some states seem relatively current, the exclusion or delay of Edo’s results raises serious questions about the integrity of the process. Repeated complaints and official requests by Edo officials to rectify the discrepancies have gone unanswered, further fueling suspicion and frustration.

The mismatch between what is recorded and what has been achieved on the field is unacceptable. It reflects poorly on the professionalism and competence of those tasked with managing the medal collation.

In an age where technology can—and should—enhance accuracy and efficiency, the current slow, opaque process is simply indefensible. The MOC must immediately adopt a digital, real-time system to restore credibility and ensure fairness to all participating states and athletes.

The time for excuses is over. Prompt corrective action is essential to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s foremost sporting event.

So far, Team Edo has amassed 36 gold, 62 silver, and 52 bronze medals—bringing their total to 150—with several events still underway. The festival is scheduled to conclude on May 30, 2025.