Basking on their stellar performance at the recently held southwest zonal eliminations for team sports for the National Sports Festival, Lagos State handball players have vowed to replicate this performance in the Gateway Games 2024.
Lagos State won the tickets in both the male and female handball at the tournament, which was held in Ibadan, Oyo State
After securing their qualification, Lagos women’s handball team captain, Oyewusi Olubisi, said it is a long journey as the team remains united while setting their sight to winning gold at the Games proper in Ogun State. She attributed the success story to the support from the leadership of the sports commission for the improved welfare and hospitality.
Olubisi also lauded the technical crew’s role in ensuring a 100 percent win during the Zonal Elimination against four other states in the region.
Another handball player, Jimaza Tabitha, noted that the team really played out its best with the mentality of coasting home to victory, stating that togetherness, commitment and rigorous training contributed to their triumph in playing all three matches without losing anyone.
Tabitha said: “The government of Lagos state motivated us very well. So, that’s why we are here to put in our best and come out victorious.”
The Chairperson of Lagos State Handball Association, Adeola Opeifa, highlighted that the triumph of the team, both men and women, stems from the early preparations, from camping and providing necessary things in place to ensure their success at the Zonal elimination.
Meanwhile, the 22nd National Sports Festival South-West Zonal Elimination Ball Games was concluded in Ibadan, Oyo State, with Team Lagos emerging victorious in various sports.
Team Lagos secured an impressive 13 slots for the Gateway Games, which will be held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, in May 2025.
According to the official results, Lagos clinched tickets in Basketball (male and female), Handball (male and female), Hockey (male and female), Cricket (male and female), and Football (male and female).
Other team sports that also made it to the Gateway Games are beach volleyball (male), volleyball (female), and Abula (mixed doubles).
Lagos’ compelling performances at the Southwest Zonal Elimination were a direct result of the state government’s commitment to grassroots sports development, providing a platform for talents to thrive and inspiring a new generation of athletes.
