Team Lagos clinched the gold medal in the female football event of the ongoing 2019 National Youth Games In Ilorin, Kwara State.
Team Lagos defeated their counterparts from Delta State in the final decision at the main bowl of the University of Ilorin Sports Complex.
The end to end the final match was decided by a solitary first-half goal scored by Similoluwa Okeshiji who outpaced the opponent’s backline and finish with a flourish.
Team Lagos female side had defeated Team Akwa Ibom by two goals to nothing in the semifinals on Wednesday, their opponents in the final proved to be worthy adversaries as they were forced to defend the lone.
It was a joyous moment for Team Lagos contingent at the sound of the final whistle as the girls made history by winning gold in female football event for the first time at the National Youth Games.
For the goal scorer, Similoluwa Okeshiji, the team’s success was a result of hard work and support from the Lagos State Government.
Okeshiji stated that success means a lot to her and her teammates, adding that the girls will continue to work hard to represent the country by playing for the national teams in the future.
“We didn’t believe that the Delta team can play better than us because we believe in what we have. We believe in Lagos because the state encouraged us to achieve something better. They train us very well. Before we came to the National Youth Games, we started our training four months ago, so we know each other very well and understand our abilities. I know all my colleagues, how they play, how they can run and the kind of pass that I can give them. We really thank God for victory and the team’s success at the Youth Games.
“We won gold because we know that something good will come out of this and that’s why we put all our efforts. Not only that, but we also know that by this achievement, we are going far by representing the country. Not only Nigeria we are going to play abroad,” Okeshiji said.
