Lagos Handball Team Triumphs in Thrilling Festival Opener

 

By Saheed Afolabi

 

The Lagos State men’s handball team kicked off their National Sports Festival campaign with a nail-biting 25-24 victory over a strong Sokoto team at the Alake Sports Centre.

In a fiercely contested match, Team Lagos demonstrated impressive resilience, overcoming early pressure to secure a crucial win.

Clad in their distinctive white and black jerseys, the Lagos side found their stride through solid defensive play and effective attacking. They tightened their backline, limiting Sokoto’s opportunities, and capitalized on their own scoring chances.

After the halftime break, the “Eko boys” returned with renewed vigor, showcasing accurate passing and clinical finishing.

A pivotal moment came when Lagos goalkeeper Sanni Bature pulled off a stunning save from a seven-meter penalty, denying Sokoto a vital goal and keeping his team firmly in contention with his composure and sharp reflexes.

Lagos State Handball Coach, Duru Olubukola expressed her satisfaction with the team’s performance, emphasizing that they followed instructions perfectly.

“There’s no team that’s not strong here. We keep fighting until we get to the top. We are well supported and motivated by the Lagos State Sports Commission. So, we hope to get the gold.”

Lagos team captain Yahyah Owolabi echoed his coach’s sentiments, stating the team will approach each match with focus and determination.

“We are going to come out with full force, try to conquer them, and take the lead from the beginning,” he said.