By: IDNN Court Sports Desk
ABEOKUTA — Revenge has never felt this beautiful.
In front of a deafening home crowd at the Alake Sports Complex, Dorcas Adesokan, multiple African Championships medallist and Olympian, led Team Ogun to a dramatic 3–2 win over arch-rivals Team Edo in the women’s team badminton final at the Gateway Games 2025.
The gold medal match, contested across three singles and two doubles, was a rollercoaster of emotions — power, poise, pressure, and pure adrenaline.
Redemption Arc: From Asaba Pain to Abeokuta Glory
Adesokan entered the tournament with a personal mission — to reclaim the team event gold medal that slipped through her fingers at the 2022 Sports Festival in Asaba.
“I’ve won gold in singles before, but this team gold — it’s been my burning desire,” she said, her voice trembling post-match.
“This one is for every Ogun girl who’s ever picked up a racket.”
🏸 The Showdown: Titans of Nigerian Badminton Collide
The matchup was loaded with firepower:
🟩 Team Ogun:
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Dorcas Adesokan (Olympian, ex-Nigeria No. 1)
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Aminat Ilori (WR: 7)
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Omotola Felicia (WR: 22)
🟥 Team Edo:
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Ruth Ebere (Nigeria No. 1)
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Deborah Ukeh (No. 2)
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Blessing Ihenslekhlen (Wildcard)
The final started with Ogun claiming two early singles victories. Edo roared back, taking the third singles and first doubles, leveling it at 2–2.
The entire hall went silent — it would all come down to one final doubles match.
💥 The Decider: Nerves of Steel, Hearts on Fire
With gold hanging in the balance, both sides threw everything they had into the last match. Every rally was war. Every point, a pulse.
Fueled by hometown cheers and unfinished business, Adesokan and her partner dug deep, winning the deciding set 21–18 in a roaring finish that brought the roof down.
“I cried on court,” said one spectator. “We just witnessed a classic.”
🏆 Legacy Sealed, Message Delivered
This gold medal isn’t just a personal triumph for Adesokan — it is Team Ogun’s first women’s team title since 2016 and a thunderous reminder that the state remains a badminton powerhouse.
Adesokan’s leadership was also hailed by officials as a case study in resilience, mentorship, and elite execution.
“Her spirit lifted the whole team,” said Ogun’s head coach. “This is more than victory. This is a legacy moment.”
