Nigeria’s U-18 women’s handball team began their IHF Trophy Zonal Phase on Sunday with a resounding 53-21 win over Togo in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

The team displayed ruthless dominance, particularly from the wings, securing a 21-8 lead by the end of the first half.

Nigeria maintained control in the second half, making it difficult for Togo to respond, and wrapped up the match with a commanding 53-21 scoreline.

Coaches John Uzor and Bukola Duru guided the team to play with intensity, utilising quick ball rotation and fast breaks to devastating effect.

Surprisingly, in spite of Nigeria’s dominant display, none of their players was named Most Valuable Player, with the award going to a Togolese player.

Coach Uzor said he wasn’t disappointed, adding that the comprehensive victory was more satisfying than individual accolades.

“I’m thrilled with the win. The girls followed our instructions perfectly, which allowed them to score many goals.

“Recognition or not, that’s not my concern. The result is what truly matters,” Uzor said.

Nigeria will face Burkina Faso on Monday at 9 a.m., while the U-20 team will play Togo at 3 p.m. (NAN)

The Ogun Government has unveiled the mascot, logo and theme song for the 2024 National Sports Festival, also known as Gateway Games 2024.At the unveiling ceremony in Abeokuta on Tuesday evening, Gov. Dapo Abiodun said that state was ready to deliver a befitting National Sports Festival holding from May 16 to May 30.

Abiodun , represented by his Deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, said that the festival would be a reference point in the history of the games. ”We are ready to raise the bar significantly, close to two decades that Ogun last hosted the multi sports event.”The mascot reflects the energy and cultural heritage of the good people of Ogun.” he said.The governor lauded the Local Organising Committee for working round the clock in order to ensure that success was achieved.He said the state government had made significant investments in the sporting facilities, which he believed would stand the test of time even beyond the games.Abiodun assured team Ogun athletes that the state was solidly behind them, while encouraging citizens to actively participate and also welcome guests with kindness before, during and after the games.He described sports as a unifying tool, adding that it remained a stepping stone for athletes aiming for global recognition and glory.Abiodun called for support from stakeholders, expressing the need for all hands to be on deck in order to achieve the desired goals.” The 2024 edition will raise the bar through innovative ideas and world-class preparations that will redefine the entire festival experience.” The theme song, composed by Dr Bayo Adepetun, and the mascot, designed by a creative team from the state’s Ministry of Culture.” The symbolic elements reflect the energy, cultural heritage, and aspirations of the good people of Ogun,” he said. Report says that the sports festival, the 26th edition, is a biennial multi-sports event, brings together thousands of athletes from Nigeria’s 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory to celebrate sportsmanship, national unity and sporting excellence.The festival, a celebration of Nigeria’s rich sports and cultural heritage, is billed to feature athletes competing in 33 sporting events. (NAN)

From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports Development, Honourable Daniel Igali, has praised Team Bayelsa for their exceptional triumph at the inaugural Niger Delta Sports Festival, held in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

Bayelsa athletes emerged overall champions, finishing ahead of Delta and Edo States.

In a statement personally signed on behalf of the Governor of Bayelsa State,Sen.

Douye Diri, Igali lauded the team’s fierce determination and excellence, which led to an impressive haul of 86 medals, 42 gold, 29 silver, and 15 bronze.

“Our athletes ran, swam, wrestled, paddled, and fought their way into history,” Igali declared.

“From the thunder on the tracks to the brilliance on the mats and in the water, Bayelsa’s sons and daughters showcased the new, unstoppable spirit of our state, proud, prepared, and poised for greatness.”

“On behalf of His Excellency Governor Douye Diri, I say welcome home, champions! Thank you for making Bayelsa the pride of the Niger Delta at this historic maiden edition of the festival. You stood tall at the centre of a region redefining its future  future beyond oil, driven by talent, hard work, and excellence.”

He continued: “To the Director of Sports, Braveman Wodi, our dedicated coaches, technical staff, secretaries, media team, and every single athlete who gave their all, you have etched your names into gold. We celebrate you. You have made us proud.”

Igali, however, reminded the team to stay grounded and focused as the journey continues: “While we revel in this remarkable achievement, our eyes must now turn to the bigger challenge ahead of the National Sports Festival, Gateway 2025, in Ogun State. It’s time to rest, recover, and prepare to raise the bar once again.”

Delta and Edo States finished second and third respectively, with Delta securing 41 gold, 26 silver, and 32 bronze medals, while Edo claimed 23 gold, 35 silver, and 31 bronze medals.

“Bayelsa has spoken and the message is clear: this is only the beginning”.