The Alake Sports Complex in Ogun State was the stage for an electrifying badminton showdown as the National Sports Festival witnessed a fierce battle for gold in the women’s team event. Ogun State, spearheaded by the seasoned Olympian and multiple African Championships medallist, Dorcas Adesokan, clashed with their formidable rivals, Edo State, in a match that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. The final, a best-of-five series comprising three singles and two doubles matches, showcased the exceptional talent and unwavering determination of both teams.
Ogun State’s lineup boasted a formidable trio: Dorcas Adesokan, the former Nigerian number one; Aminat Ilori, ranked 7th nationally; and Omotola Felicia, ranked 22nd. They faced a stiff challenge from Edo State’s squad, which included the reigning national number one and two, Ruth Ebere and Deborah Ukeh, respectively, alongside the skilled Blessing Ihenslekhlen. The stage was set for a captivating clash of titans, a battle for supremacy between two badminton powerhouses.
The match unfolded with Ogun State seizing the initiative, capturing the first two singles matches to gain a 2-0 lead. Edo State, however, refused to surrender, digging deep and securing the third singles match to narrow the gap to 2-1. With the momentum seemingly shifting, the doubles matches became crucial in determining the outcome of this closely contested final. Edo State capitalized on their resurgence, winning the first doubles match to level the score at 2-2, pushing the tie to a decisive final doubles match.
The tension in the Alake Sports Complex was palpable as the final doubles match got underway. Both teams displayed incredible skill and resilience, engaging in rapid-fire rallies and showcasing a range of deft shots. The Ogun State pair, however, found an extra gear, demonstrating exceptional teamwork and court coverage to overcome their Edo State counterparts and clinch the deciding match, securing the coveted gold medal with a final score of 3-2.
For Dorcas Adesokan, the victory was particularly sweet. Having previously won three gold medals in the singles event at the National Sports Festival, she had yet to taste gold in the team event. This triumph against their arch-rivals, Edo State, filled a void in her impressive resume and brought immense satisfaction. “I’ve won three gold medals in the singles event at the festival before, but we missed out on the team event gold the last time,” Adesokan shared after the match. “So, I have been hoping that we take back that women’s team title and finally we have done it. It feels really good to have done that against a very good team like Edo.”
The road to the final was not without its challenges for both Ogun and Edo States. Their semi-final encounters against Lagos and Rivers States, respectively, proved to be tightly contested affairs, with both matches requiring the doubles matches to determine the finalists. Lagos and Rivers States, having battled valiantly, shared the bronze medal, a testament to their competitive spirit and skill. The women’s team event marked the first medal ceremony of the National Sports Festival, which commenced on Monday. The badminton competition continued the following day, with the focus shifting to the men’s team event and subsequently the singles and doubles events, promising further excitement and compelling displays of athleticism at the Alake Sports Complex.
