In a thrilling conclusion to the Gateway Games 2024 Chess Event, Team Ogun defied expectations to secure three medals, including a standout gold performance from Adebayo Matan on Board 5 and a bronze from team captain Tobiloba Ogunsanya on Board 6. In the women’s category, Everestus Joy added to the medal tally with a bronze on Board 5, capping off an impressive campaign for the host state.
Despite being overlooked by many ahead of the National Sports Festival, Ogun State’s chess contingent showed resilience and preparation throughout the six-day, nine-round tournament, claiming their place among the top competitors.
Speaking with sports journalist Victor Emmanuel Onuh, team captain Tobiloba Ogunsanya praised the event setup:
“The experience has been a good one, the hosting has been nice, accommodation wonderful, feeding great, and the venue for the event was top notch alongside the tournament conditions.”
On their objective coming into the National Sports Festival, Ogunsanya reflected:
“The target was for us to get at least a gold medal, which we actually achieved, and we’re really happy about that. We got some extra medals along the way which is good for us.”
He also emphasized the team’s unity as the tournament’s key takeaway:
“The biggest lesson is team spirit has been number one for us. The other teams were looking at us as the team not expected to win anything in the first place.”
Chess Highlights for Team Ogun at Gateway Games 2024:
- Board 5 (Men):
🥇 Gold – Matan, Adebayo Oludayo (Ogun) - Board 6 (Men):
🥉 Bronze – Ogunsanya, Tobiloba (Ogun) - Board 5 (Women):
🥉 Bronze – Everestus, Joy (Ogun)
Ogun State’s performance at the board is now firmly etched into the story of the Gateway Games 2024, with the team showing that preparation, belief, and unity can indeed checkmate expectations.
