National Sports Festival 2024: Team Ogun Soars, Sokoto Shocks Edo in Handball Thriller

The handball courts at the Gateway Games 2024 in Abeokuta are heating up as the female category continues to deliver thrilling matches, shocking upsets, and pure athletic brilliance.

💥 Team Ogun: Defending Home Turf With Style

Team Ogun is proving they’re no pushovers. The host state secured a second straight win, dispatching Plateau State 35–25 in dominant fashion. This comes after an impressive 32–20 victory over Kogi in their opening match at the Alake Sports Center, Ijaye.
With precision passes, solid teamwork, and relentless attacking, Ogun’s ladies are not just playing to win—they’re playing for pride in front of their home fans.

😲 Sokoto State Stuns Edo in Biggest Upset Yet

In what may be the biggest shock of the tournament so far, Sokoto State edged Edo State 22–20 in a nail-biting clash on Day 3.
The Caliphate queens stormed to a 12–8 halftime lead and stood tall against Edo’s late rally. It wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. Sokoto is here to disrupt the hierarchy.

🚀 Lagos Dominates, Oyo Survives Delta Scare

• Lagos vs Bauchi:
  The Lagos girls showed why they’re among the favourites, thrashing Bauchi 33–13. Their 19–5 first-half masterclass highlighted elite conditioning and clinical execution.

• Oyo vs Delta:
  Perhaps the most gripping game of the day, Oyo narrowly edged Delta 35–34 in a final-minute standoff. From trailing at halftime to surging back with fierce defense and fast breaks, Oyo’s grit turned the tide in a match that had fans screaming till the final whistle.

💬 OPINION: Women’s Handball is Stealing the Show

This year’s female handball event is a breath of fresh energy, showing how far the sport has come across the country. Teams once considered underdogs are rising fast, and the intensity on the court is matched only by the passion in the stands.

📢 Final Word:

The Gateway Games 2024 are more than just a sports festival—they're a celebration of state pride, women empowerment, and youthful excellence.

🚨 Next Round Awaits:
Eyes now turn to Ogun—can they ride their momentum to the finals? Will Sokoto continue their Cinderella run?

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