2024 NSF: FCT, Lagos, Ogun, and Edo Seal Semifinal Spots in Men’s Handball

2024 NSF: FCT, Lagos, Ogun, and Edo Seal Semifinal Spots in Men’s Handball

By Admin 

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) booked a place in the men’s handball semifinals at the 2025 National Sports Festival with a dramatic 21–19 extra-time victory over Delta State on Saturday. In what was arguably the most enthralling quarterfinal of the tournament so far, both teams battled to a 17–17 stalemate in regulation time before FCT edged ahead in the second period of extra time.

The contest, played in Abeokuta, was a classic game of momentum shifts. Delta entered halftime with a narrow 11–9 advantage, but FCT clawed their way back with determined second-half play. In extra time, FCT’s discipline and resilience proved decisive as they closed out a tense, hard-fought victory.

In other quarterfinal fixtures, hosts Ogun State delivered a commanding performance in front of an energetic home crowd, defeating Niger State 29–21. Ogun seized control early, leading 14–8 at halftime and maintaining their dominance through the final whistle.

Defending champions Edo State showcased their championship mettle with a gritty 20–15 win over a spirited Sokoto side. Holding a slim 8–6 lead at the break, Edo pulled away in the latter stages, drawing on their experience to stifle Sokoto’s late push.

Meanwhile, Lagos State produced the most emphatic result of the round, dismantling Adamawa 37–22. Lagos surged ahead with a 17–7 halftime lead and never took their foot off the gas, finishing with the highest goal tally of the quarterfinals.

With semifinal clashes now set, anticipation builds as the festival’s handball tournament moves toward its climactic finish. The women’s semifinals are scheduled for Sunday at the Alake Sports Center, where more intense action is expected.