As the judo competition concluded at the 22nd National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State coach Ayobamide David Osiwoga reflected on his team’s historic performance and outlined plans for further growth.
Osiwoga’s squad competed across 13 weight categories and returned home with four gold medals and one silver—a haul unmatched by any previous Ogun contingent.
“So far, it’s been good. To God be the glory, my athletes fought in 13 categories, and we came away with four golds and one silver,” Osiwoga told Sports247.
He noted that Ogun State’s judo programme took a major step forward compared to past festivals.
“This is the best festival so far in Ogun State for judo. In 2006 we won only two golds. Breaking that record with four shows how far we’ve come.”
Despite the success, Osiwoga believes there is room to push his judoka even higher—He mentioned the two national team athletes in the team, Taiwo and Kehinde Aremu, who are already setting their sights on Olympic trials.
“We have two Olympic players on our team. The athletes are going higher and higher, and we’ll continue to push them.”
Now balancing coaching with studies at the National Institute for Sports, Osiwoga praised the festival’s organisation and pledged to return to the drawing board once his course ends.
“Events here were well-organised, accommodations and feeding were fine. After I finish at NIS, I’ll go back to training and aim even higher.”
Buoyed by the judges’ medals and proud of his dual role as student and coach, Osiwoga summed up his emotions about winning simply: “Very good. Very proud. I’m proud of myself.”
