With Ogun, Sokoto, Kogi, and Edo States moving forward, the semi-finals of the women’s handball event promise to be filled with thrilling excitement and high-pressure moments.
On Sunday, the chase for gold in women’s handball at the 2025 National Sports Festival intensified as Team Sokoto made a remarkable impression by overpowering Bauchi with a score of 45-18, decisively securing their semi-final position.
From the opening whistle at the MKO Abiola Stadium’s handball arena in Abeokuta, Sokoto established their dominance by surging to a 24-12 lead at half-time and further extending their advantage with unyielding attacks and solid defense during the second half.
Their 27-point winning margin was the highest of the round and serves as a strong signal to the other teams still in contention.
In a different quarter-final matchup, the host state of Ogun faced a stern test but emerged victorious, narrowly defeating Delta State 39-33 in a thrilling contest.
Read also:
- Ogun plans private sector partnership to manage sports facilities
- Falilat Ogunkoya hails Ogun for providing quality facilities at Games
- Bayelsa Queens mourns as club captain loses husband
Ogun had a strong start, leading 20-15 at the midway point, but Delta did not surrender easily, fighting back in the latter half.
Under pressure, Team Ogun maintained their composure, driven by the enthusiastic local supporters, and secured their spot in the semi-finals, igniting hopes for a spectacular medal achievement at home.
In one of the day’s most surprising yet impressive showings, Team Kogi defeated the favoured Oyo 30-24.
Kogi quickly established themselves with an 18-10 lead at halftime, and despite Oyo’s determined efforts to recover, they were unable to overcome the gap.
This outcome signals a notable achievement for Kogi’s burgeoning handball squad, which will enter the semi-finals filled with confidence and momentum.
The final quarter-final match saw Edo State triumph over Lagos with a hard-fought 25-20 victory.
Edo held a narrow 12-9 advantage at the halftime break, and with a cohesive and disciplined second-half effort, they managed to fend off a late surge from Lagos, securing their advancement to the final four.