22nd National Sports Festival: Ogun Edges Kwara to win men’s football gold, while Delta Clinches Women’s Oro

Ogun State’s men’s football team won the gold medal at the 22nd National Sports Festival in progress, Gateway Games 2024, defeating the Kwara state with four goals to one at the Mko Abiola Sports Arena, Abokuta.

The Gateway Boys who gave their traditional yellow jersey launched the first attacks in the first ten minutes with consequent two quick goals.

The team that had previously defeated the Junior invited athletes (IJA) represented by the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria in the semifinal were too hot for the Kwaran to keep the game while they unleashed from the explosion of the whistle.

The boys of Aphonja still gathered a goal to dream of a return to the second half, but the Gateway Boys resisted to ensure a emphatic victory at the massively crowded stadium, under the projectors.

In the female final between the Delta team and the Junior Invited athletes (IJA) represented by the Flamingos of Nigeria played previously, the oparanyanwu goalkeeper the favor turned out to be the heroine of the deeply contested match that won the gold medal for the team of the state of the Delta

The game that did not end any goals at one piece at the regulation time saw the favor of Oporanyanwu went up to the occasion while saving two kicks with decisive points to deliver a dramatic 7-6 victory, sealing another medal for the Delans, who continue to dominate the medals table

Speaking after the game, Favor dedicated the victory to the president of the Delta State Sports Commission and his teammates, attributing the victory to their unity and conviction.

“This medal is for our president, the entire family of the Delta team and all those who believed in us.

“It was not easy, especially with the type of unsupported crowd that we faced, but we were concentrated and obtained the result,” he said

President of the Delta State Sports Commission, Hon. Honored Oborevwori, he was unable to hide his excitement, describing the meeting as the highlight of the entire festival.

However, he praised the team for their composure and resilience under intense pressure.

“I had to leave the VIP section and join the crowd because it looked like a continental cup final.

“The tension and anxiety were overwhelming, above all knowing that the entire stadium supported our opponent, but our girls remained strong, kept their nerves and delivered. They are extremely proud of them,” he added