Sokoto Shocks Edo as Lagos, Oyo and Ogun Dominate Day 3 Handball Battles at NSF 2025
ABEOKUTA, Nigeria — May 21, 2025 | IDNN
The women’s handball event at the Gateway Games 2025 lit up on Day 3 as Team Sokoto delivered the shock of the tournament, defeating Edo 22–20 in a fiercely contested match at the Alake Sports Centre.
Sokoto, dubbed underdogs before the game, took an early 12–8 lead into halftime and showed tactical discipline in the final quarter to resist Edo’s comeback attempts.
Giant-Killers and Tactical Brilliance
It was a defining win for the Caliphate side, as their strong defensive setup and pace in transition allowed them to contain one of the tournament favourites.
“This win is for our coach, our fans, and every girl on this team who believed,” said one of Sokoto’s players after the final whistle.
Lagos Demolish Bauchi, Oyo Edges Delta in Thriller
Elsewhere, Team Lagos displayed outright dominance, overpowering Bauchi 33–13 in a match that was practically sealed by halftime (19–5).
Their speed, set plays, and ruthless finishing confirmed their status as potential gold medal contenders.
Meanwhile, Team Oyo and Team Delta treated fans to a classic thriller.
Oyo came from behind (13–14 at halftime) to clinch a 35–34 win, with the deciding goal coming in the final 30 seconds.
The game had everything: end-to-end action, tactical swings, and standout individual performances.
Ogun Celebrate Big Win on Home Soil
Host state Ogun gave their fans something to cheer about, taking down Plateau State 35–25. Backed by a raucous home crowd, Ogun established an 18–12 lead at halftime and maintained control to close out the game with confidence.
Day 3 Results – Women’s Handball
- Edo 20–22 Sokoto (HT: 8–12)
- Bauchi 13–33 Lagos (HT: 5–19)
- Oyo 35–34 Delta (HT: 13–14)
- Ogun 35–25 Plateau (HT: 18–12)
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