The semi-finals of the handball event at the 2025 National Sports Festival in Ogun State lived up to expectations, with high-octane clashes and dominant displays as finalists in both male and female categories emerged.
In what turned out to be a perfect day for the host state, Ogun booked spots in both the male and female finals, setting up a possible double-gold celebration for the home fans.
Starting with the female category, Ogun’s female team overcame a spirited Kogi side with a 24–19 win in a pulsating encounter. The first half was a tight affair with both teams evenly matched at 10–10, but Ogun showed greater grit and sharpness in the second period.
Backed by a passionate home crowd, the hosts pulled away in the final quarter, sealing their place in the final with a confident five-goal margin.
In the second semi final in the female category, Sokoto delivered a commanding performance to brush aside Edo 32–25. Dominating from the outset, they took a five-goal lead into halftime and never looked back.
Edo attempted a comeback but Sokoto’s offensive fluidity and tactical discipline proved too much. With the win, Sokoto set up a mouthwatering gold medal clash against the hosts.
In the Male Category, Ogun’s male team matched the energy of their female counterparts, defeating FCT 29–25 in a thrilling semi-final.
The hosts led narrowly at halftime and held their nerve in the face of FCT’s challenge with precise finishing and a solid defensive display to advance to the final, ensuring home fans will have plenty to cheer for on finals day.
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