Team Lagos kicked off their National Sports Festival campaign in spectacular fashion, edging past a dogged Sokoto side 25-24 in a pulsating men’s handball opener at the Alake Sports Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
In what turned out to be a heart-stopping encounter, the Lagos team showed poise, resilience, and tactical maturity to clinch a hard-fought victory that sets the tone for their gold medal ambitions.
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The match, played in front of a buzzing crowd, was anything but predictable. Sokoto came into the fixture with aggression and intensity, putting early pressure on Lagos. But the Eko boys, dressed in crisp white and black jerseys, held their nerve, organizing from the back with disciplined defending and clinical counterattacks.
One of the defining moments came midway through the second half. With the game hanging in the balance, Lagos goalkeeper Sanni Bature pulled off a sensational save from a seven-meter throw, denying Sokoto what could have been the game-tying goal. His composure and lightning-fast reflexes kept Lagos ahead and ignited chants from the crowd.
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After the break, Lagos looked sharper. Their passing game improved, and they created clear-cut chances through precise buildup play and calm finishes. Coach Duru Olubukola, visibly pleased after the final whistle, credited the team’s ability to stick to the game plan.
“There’s no weak team in this competition. We take every match seriously, and the players executed our instructions perfectly,” he said. “We’re well-supported by the Lagos State Sports Commission, and we’re here for the gold.”
Team captain Yahyah Owolabi echoed the coach’s thoughts, promising more intensity in upcoming games.
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“We’re not underestimating anyone. Every match is a battle, and we’re taking them one at a time. Against Osun, we’ll come out stronger and dominate from the start.”
Koffi Abraham Advances in Deaf Badminton
It was a double celebration for Lagos as Abraham Koffi, the state’s deaf badminton star, powered into the semi-finals of the men’s singles. Koffi beat Rivers State’s Emmanuel Kelechi 2-0 (21-14, 23-21) in a high-octane quarter-final clash.
Koffi had earlier dispatched Ogun State’s Okeleka Desmond with another 2-0 sweep, showcasing his agility and control across both matches. With his sights firmly set on the podium, Koffi now aims to extend his winning streak and deliver another medal for Lagos.
As the National Sports Festival intensifies in Abeokuta, Lagos athletes are setting the pace. From the handball court to the badminton court, the quest for medals is heating up—and Team Lagos is rising to the occasion.
Picture Credit: Lagos State Sports Commission Facebook Page
