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)

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.

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

“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”. 

Solution FC of Anambra on Wednesday defeated Lobi Stars of Makurdi 2-1 in the ongoing Nigeria Federation/President Cup to end the Makurdi team journey in the competition.

The match played inside Enyimba International Stadium, Aba in Abia saw the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side exit the competition in the hand of Nigeria National League (NNL) team.

The first 45 minute ended goalless but Solution FC showed their intent to winning the match after the interval and their efforts was rewarded in the 51st minute through Emeka Oyuke.

Alexander Oche put the Makurdi team level in 78th minute, few minutes of his introduction to put smiles on the faces of their fans.

It was Solution FC that had the last laugh when Ahamefuna Chizoba restored the NNL team led on 85th minutes to send Lobi Stars packing.

Speaking after the match, Gabriel Ezema the Solution FC coach, said his team showed they are growing and that they can measure up in the NPFL.

The coach said the experience he acquired when he was with Rangers FC of Enugu for seven years help him a lot while playing against NPFL side.

Ezema said, “We have a good team and I just needed to transfer that experience and confidence in the players so that they can compete at the higher level.”

He said that Solution achieved something big by defeating Lobi Stars, describing the win as a good motivation for his team going into the second round of the NNL.

Speaking on their opponent NPFL position, he said that club performance in the match did not reflect their position on the league log.

“I think that Lobi Stars performance did not reflect their position in the ongoing Nigeria League because, they have a lot of experience, quality just that, things did not work out for them.

“Lobi had their moment in today’s match but they did not take it, just like we had ours and converted two, that is what football is all about,” Ezema said. (NAN)