In a thrilling contest at the MKO Abiola International Sports Complex in Abeokuta, Team Delta defeated the Invited Junior Athlete Team (IJA) by a narrow margin of 7-6 in the Women’s Football Final of the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival, dubbed Gateway Games in Ogun State.
The match, which drew a full capacity crowd, was a tense affair that ended in a penalty shootout after both teams remained goalless at 0-0 through 120 minutes of play. The atmosphere was electric as the teams battled for supremacy, but it was Team Delta that emerged victorious, converting their seventh penalty kick to clinch the Gold Medal.
Following the match, Bankole Olowookere, coach of the IJA’s Flamingos, praised the performance of his players, highlighting their skill and resilience throughout the encounter. He expressed pride in their efforts, stating that each player met the expectations set for the match, showcasing their professional capabilities.