Team Ogun has recorded a resounding victory in the women’s handball event at the ongoing National Sports Festival, overpowering Team Kogi with a convincing 32–20 win. The match, which was held at the Alake Sports Centre in Ijeja, Abeokuta on Tuesday, drew enthusiastic spectators as both sides battled for dominance on the court.
From the first whistle, Ogun’s team displayed superior coordination and tactical discipline, ending the first half with a 16–11 advantage. Despite spirited attempts by Kogi to narrow the gap in the second half, the host team maintained their momentum, pulling further away to seal the match with a 12-goal margin.
In his post-match remarks, Coach Shola Sekoni of Team Ogun expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance while acknowledging that there is room for improvement. He praised the effort of the players and appreciated the state government for its commitment to developing sports through the provision of world-class facilities.
“I must first appreciate the governor for his support in making this tournament a reality. We’re just getting started, so I’ll rate the team at 50 percent for now. But we’re optimistic about qualifying for the next round and reaching the final,” Sekoni said.
The coach noted that the team had to adjust its tactics midway through the game as fatigue began to set in. “When we noticed a drop in energy, we changed our game plan. The opponents struggled to adapt to our new pattern. Our next match is against Plateau, and we’re not leaving anything to chance—we’re aiming for another win.”
On the other side, Kogi’s head coach, Emeka Joseph, remained hopeful despite the setback. He commended his players for their effort and promised a stronger outing in their next fixture.
“The girls gave it their all, even though we couldn’t secure the win. They played with heart, and I’m proud of them,” Joseph stated. “We are not discouraged by the result. Our focus now is on our next match against Plateau State, and we believe we’ll come out victorious.”
As the handball competition continues, Team Ogun will be looking to maintain their winning streak, while Kogi aims to bounce back and keep their hopes alive in the tournament. The National Sports Festival, tagged “Gateway Games,” continues to generate excitement as athletes from across Nigeria compete for glory in various disciplines.
