It was a double celebration for hosts Ogun State as their men’s handball team clinched gold in dramatic fashion, edging out Lagos State 18–16 in the rescheduled final of the National Sports Festival, held at the Alake Sports Center, Ijeja, Abeokuta.
The match, which was halted the previous day due to a downpour that rendered the outdoor court unplayable, resumed on Thursday with high anticipation in a cloudy weather condition. Fans who had waited patiently for the conclusion of the blockbuster tie were not disappointed as both teams delivered a high-octane contest worthy of a championship decider.
At the point of suspension on Wednesday, Ogun had held a slender 7-6 lead with less than two minutes to the end of the first half and when the match resumed on Thursday, Ogun made it an 8–7 lead at halftime. Both sides returned with renewed energy, but it was the host state that managed to maintain composure and momentum in the crucial stages.
Ogun extended their lead marginally in the second half, fending off a determined Lagos comeback attempt with solid defensive coordination and swift counterattacks. The home crowd erupted in celebration at the final whistle as Ogun closed out the match 18–16 to secure the coveted gold medal.
The victory marked a historic moment for Ogun State, who also won the women’s handball final, defeating Sokoto 38-34 on Wednesday and making it a clean sweep of the gold medals in both the male and female categories which underscored their dominance in the sport at this year’s festival.
With this double triumph, Ogun not only cemented their status as the handball powerhouse of the National Sports Festival but also gave their fans plenty to cheer about as the curtain falls on the Gateway Games festival.
The Federal Capital Territory, Abuja earned bronze following their dominant 30-17 victory over Edo on Tuesday.
