The male football team of Ogun state have won the gold medal at the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival, Gateway Games 2024, defeating Kwara State by four goals to one at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Abeokuta.
The Gateway boys who dorn their traditional yellow jersey launched early attacks in the first ten minutes resulting in two quick goals.
The team who had earlier defeated the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) represented by the Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets in the semi final were just too hot for the Kwarans to hold in the match as they went on rampage from the blast of the whistle.
The Afonja boys however rallied a goal to dream of a come back in the second half, but the gateway boys held on to secure an emphatic victory at the massively crowded stadium, under the floodlights.
In the female final between Team Delta and the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) represented by the Nigeria’s Flamingos played earlier, goalkeeper Oparanyanwu Favour turned out to be the heroin of the keenly contested match that won the gold medal for the Delta State side
The match which ended no goal a piece at regulation time saw Oparanyanwu Favour rose to the occasion as she saved two decisive spot-kicks to hand a dramatic 7–6 victory, sealing another goal medal for the Deltans, who continue to dominate the medals table
Speaking after the match, Favour dedicated the victory to the Delta State Sports Commission Chairman and her teammates, attributing the win to their unity and belief.
“This medal is for our Chairman, the entire Team Delta family, and everyone who believed in us.
“It was not easy, especially with the kind of unsupportive crowd we faced, but we stayed focused and got the result”, she said
Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Hon. Onoriode Oborevwori, could not hide his excitement, describing the encounter as the highlight of the entire festival.
He however praised the team for their composure and resilience under intense pressure.
“I had to leave the VIP section and join the crowd because it felt like a continental cup final.
“The tension and anxiety were overwhelming, especially knowing that the entire stadium supported our opponent, But our girls stood strong, held their nerves, and delivered. I’m extremely proud of them’, he added
