The 2024 National Sports Festival in Nigeria witnessed a thrilling semi-final clash in men’s football between Team Ogun and the Golden Eaglets, competing under the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) initiative. The match, held at the Ikene centre, saw Team Ogun stage a remarkable comeback from a one-goal deficit to secure a 2-1 victory, propelling them to the final against Kwara State. The electrifying atmosphere at the Ikene centre, fueled by the enthusiastic home crowd, reverberated with the cheers of Ogun supporters as their team secured a hard-fought win. The victory set the stage for a highly anticipated final showdown at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta, promising another electrifying encounter with increased home support.
In contrast to the men’s team’s success, the Ogun State women’s football team encountered a different fate against the Flamingos, also participating under the IJA banner. Despite playing on home turf, the Ogun women couldn’t overcome the Flamingos, succumbing to a narrow 1-0 defeat. Shakirat Moshood’s penalty proved to be the decisive factor, sending the Flamingos to the final against Delta State, who earlier triumphed over Osun State with a convincing 4-1 scoreline. The loss marked a disappointing end to the women’s campaign, while the Flamingos advanced to contest the gold medal.
Kwara State’s men’s team also booked their place in the final by overcoming Kaduna State with a 1-0 victory in their semi-final match. Muhammed Abdullahi’s 62nd-minute goal proved to be the difference, ensuring Kwara State’s progression to the final. The semi-final results set up an intriguing final clash between Team Ogun and Kwara State, while the Golden Eaglets and Kaduna State were left to contest the bronze medal in the third-place match. The final matches promised an exciting conclusion to the football competition at the National Sports Festival.
The organizers of the 22nd National Sports Festival announced a change of venue for the men’s and women’s football finals. Both matches were moved to the prestigious MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta, further elevating the anticipation and significance of the final games. The change of venue not only provided a larger and more modern setting for the championship matches but also allowed for a greater number of fans to witness the crowning of the football champions.
The semi-final matches highlighted the competitive spirit and talent on display at the National Sports Festival. Team Ogun’s men’s team demonstrated resilience and determination in their comeback victory, setting the stage for a thrilling final against Kwara State. The Golden Eaglets, although defeated, showcased their potential and will aim to salvage a bronze medal. The women’s competition saw the Flamingos and Delta State emerge victorious, setting up their own final showdown. The National Sports Festival provided a valuable platform for these young athletes to demonstrate their skills and compete at a high level.
The 2024 National Sports Festival served as a vital platform for showcasing and developing sporting talent in Nigeria. The football competition, with its dramatic matches and exciting finishes, captivated audiences and highlighted the growing passion for the sport in the country. The tournament not only identified promising athletes but also contributed to the overall development of football in Nigeria, fostering a sense of national pride and unity through sports. The successful staging of the National Sports Festival reaffirmed its significance in the Nigerian sporting calendar and its role in nurturing the next generation of athletes.
