The Ogun state female handball team has emerged victorious against their Kogi state counterparts in the semifinals of the ongoing National Sports Festival, Gateway Games 2024, held at the Alake Sports Center in Ijeja, Abeokuta.  

Dressed in their traditional yellow jerseys, Team Ogun, who previously defeated the Confluence Girls during the group stage, scored 24 goals compared to Kogi's 19, thereby securing their spot in the final.  

After the match, Shola Sekoni, the Head Coach of the Ogun Handball Team, expressed his satisfaction with the players' performance.  

“I feel so great; we’re making progress. The players delivered 75 percent today, and I am confident that the remaining percentage will be achieved in the final.  

“The players were inspired by the support of Governor Dapo Abiodun, who cleared all their dues and has made further promises that they are eagerly anticipating.  

“Prior to reaching this stage, we faced Kogi, Plateau, and Delta before meeting Kogi again in the semifinals.  

“I expect to win gold in the final,” he stated.  

One of the players from Team Ogun, Abdulrasaq Idowu, conveyed his belief that the state would secure victory in the final.  

Idowu also remarked that handball could gain greater popularity in the country if the government organized more competitions.  

“If government at all levels can arrange more competitions, the sport will become more popular.  

“Competitions at the local government level, school competitions, inter-state competitions, and an increase in national and international events will significantly encourage young people to embrace handball,” she added.