Ogun State celebrated a double victory as their men’s handball team secured a gold medal in a thrilling final against Lagos State, winning 18–16 at the National Sports Festival held at the Alake Sports Center in Ijeja, Abeokuta. The match was originally postponed due to heavy rain that made the outdoor court unusable but resumed on Thursday amidst cloudy conditions. Fans who had waited eagerly for the match’s conclusion were treated to an exhilarating game from both teams. When play was suspended on Wednesday, Ogun held a narrow 7-6 lead with less than two minutes left in the first half, and they extended their lead to 8-7 by halftime when the match resumed. Both teams re-entered the game with fresh energy, but Ogun managed to keep their composure and maintain their advantage in the final moments. In the second half, Ogun slightly increased their lead while successfully resisting a strong attempt from Lagos to come back, thanks to their effective defense and quick counterattacks. The home fans erupted in joy at the end of the match as Ogun triumphed 18–16, clinching the much-desired gold medal. This victory was a historic achievement for Ogun State, which also claimed the women’s handball final by defeating Sokoto 38-34 on Wednesday, achieving a complete sweep of gold medals in both male and female categories and showcasing their superiority in the sport at this year’s festival. With this dual victory, Ogun not only reinforced their reputation as the dominant force in handball at the National Sports Festival but also provided their supporters with plenty of reasons to celebrate as the Gateway Games festival comes to a close. The Federal Capital Territory, Abuja secured third place by triumphing over Edo with a convincing score of 30-17 on Tuesday.
