By Prosper Mene
The crowd at Stephen Keshi Stadium was on its feet Thursday as Delta’s own Otiti Kate pulled off a stunner, grabbing gold in the women’s 10m air rifle at the 2024 National Sports Festival, better known as the Gateway Games. With a jaw-dropping final score of 211.0, Kate didn’t just win, she smashed a Games and National Record, leaving everyone buzzing.
It was a nail-biter from start to finish. Kate, cool as a cucumber, powered through a stacked field of shooters, earning her spot in the final with laser focus. When it came down to the wire, she held steady, outgunning the competition with every shot. The hometown fans went wild as Kate sealed the deal with a performance that was nothing short of electric.
“I’m still pinching myself,” Kate said with a grin, clutching her medal. “Winning at home, breaking the record, it’s everything I’ve worked for. The crowd’s energy just carried me through.”
Her big win put Delta State front and center, adding serious shine to their Gateway Games campaign. The 10m air rifle isn’t for the faint of heart. it’s all about precision and keeping your cool under pressure. Kate made it look easy, proving she’s got the heart and skill to compete with the best.
Social media lit up with love for the champ. “Otiti Kate is a superstar! Gold and a national record? She’s unstoppable!” tweeted @LISinternationl
Over at @MakingOfChamps , they shared pics of Kate beaming, medal around her neck, soaking in the moment with fans chanting her name.
It wasn’t a cakewalk, though. The event was packed with talent from across Nigeria, each shooter gunning for glory. But Kate stayed locked in, showing the kind of grit that’s got people talking about her as Nigeria’s next big thing in shooting.
With the Gateway Games still rolling, Kate’s win has Delta dreaming big. Will she grab more hardware? For now, she’s the pride of Asaba, a hometown hero who turned hard work into gold and gave fans a moment they won’t forget.
