Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has praised the exceptional talent and sportsmanship exhibited during his visit to various venues for the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival, known as the ‘Gateway Games 2024’ in the state.
His first stop was at the Alake Sports Centre, where he witnessed thrilling volleyball matches featuring both male and female teams. Governor Abiodun commended the athletes, acknowledging their energy and skill, and described their performances as “truly inspiring.”
The governor’s tour continued at the Ijeja venue, where he observed gymnastics, table tennis, and handball events. He applauded the young competitors for their determination and exceptional talents, highlighting the strong spirit of healthy competition that permeated the games.
A standout moment of the day was Governor Abiodun’s visit to the MKO Abiola International Stadium, where he witnessed exhilarating athletic races. He was honoured to present the gold medal to Team Ogun for their outstanding victory in the 4x400m Mixed Relay race.
“It was a proud and unforgettable moment for us all,” Governor Abiodun remarked, celebrating the athletes’ achievements and reiterating the state’s commitment to nurturing sporting excellence.
Meanwhile, Team Ogun and Kwara will clash in the men’s football final at the Moshood Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta on Tuesday.
To reach the final, Team Kwara defeated Team Kaduna 1-0 in the semi-final, with Muhammed Abdullahi scoring the only goal of the match two minutes after the hour mark. In contrast, Ogun State secured a 2-1 victory over the Golden Eaglets in the second semi-final to advance to the final.
The Golden Eaglets are participating in the Gateway Games under the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) initiatives of the National Sports Commission (NSC).
In the thrilling semi-final match decided at the Remo Stars Football Club Stadium in Ikenne, hosts Ogun displayed resilience to overcome the national U-17 football team.
Speaking to newsmen after the match, the team Ogun coach, Akeem Daranijo, expressed satisfaction with his boys performance, boasting that his boys have what it takes to win the gold at the end of the event.
The home team scored twice before the Golden Eaglets reduced the deficit. The third-place match will take place at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on the same day at 9 am.
The Gateway Games 2024 continues to showcase the best of Ogun State’s young sporting talent, fostering unity and a competitive spirit across the region.
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