Three Reasons Why the Official 22nd National Sports Festival Medals Table Is Not Yet Up to Date

As the 22nd National Sports Festival continues in Ogun State, a consistent challenge I’ve faced as a reporter covering this prestigious event is responding to questions from the public about the disparity between my daily medal reports and the official medals table released by the Main Organizing Committee.

Many have noticed that while field reports show one count, the official medal table often tells a different story, sometimes significantly so. For example, as of Tuesday, May 27, 2025, I reported that Team Akwa Ibom had secured 31 medals, while the official record listed only 22. After digging deeper, I have identified three major reasons behind this discrepancy:

1. Verification Before Publication

The primary reason for the delay is the Organizing Committee’s insistence on verifying medal claims from various Sports Associations before updating the official medals table. While this cautious approach may be time-consuming, it is a necessary safeguard to prevent errors, omissions, or the fraudulent addition of medals under pressure from State contingents eager to climb the rankings.

This verification process ensures the final medal standings reflect accuracy and fairness. While it causes delays in real-time updates, it is a deliberate and protective measure against misinformation ,a method that may be slow but is ultimately aimed at preserving the integrity of the competition.

2. Delayed Communication from Sports Federations

Another major contributor to the lag is the delay from individual Sports Federations in forwarding results to the Festival Organizers. Alarmingly, some federations conduct their events with an unusual level of secrecy. In several instances, I, an accredited journalist, have been denied access to official results after events concluded.

This kind of opacity not only hampers timely reporting but also undermines the transparency expected in a national event of this magnitude. Without prompt and open communication from federations, the organizing body struggles to update the medal table efficiently leading to confusion among media, athletes, and spectators alike.

3. Lack of an Active Real-Time Digital Platform

Before the Festival began, the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olapade, promised that medal updates would be done in real-time using a digital platform. However, as we now approach the final days of the festival, that promise has not materialized.

Whether due to technical issues or underestimation of the demands involved, the failure of this digital infrastructure has left organizers to rely on slower, manual methods. This is a missed opportunity and a critical area for improvement in future editions. A working real-time update system would have significantly improved transparency and public trust in the medal standings.

Despite these challenges, I maintain full confidence in the fairness and integrity of the festival organizers. I believe that by the time we all gather at the MKO Abiola Stadium on May 29, 2025, for the closing ceremony, the final medal table will reflect the true achievements of all participating states. Let us continue to celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship and trust in the process that ensures no deserving athlete or team is left unrecognized.