The Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, has expressed confidence in Team Lagos’ ability to emerge victorious after a dominant display on the first day of the South-West Zonal Elimination Ball Games in Ibadan, Oyo State.
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From handball to basketball, hockey, beach volleyball, and football, Lagos athletes showcased their superiority, securing crucial victories against regional rivals.
The men’s handball team delivered a statement win, thrashing Oyo 40-14, while the women’s team also emerged victorious with a 23-15 triumph. In basketball, the Lagos women’s team displayed resilience and determination to defeat Ondo 47-39 in their opening match, setting up an important clash against Oyo next.
Lagos’ dominance extended to hockey, where the women’s team comfortably defeated Oyo 3-0, while the men’s team edged out Ekiti with a 1-0 win. The beach volleyball team further asserted Lagos’ strength, dispatching Oyo 2-0 with ease.
In football, the Lagos women’s team secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Oyo, thanks to a decisive goal from Bada Mistura, while the men’s team was held to a 1-1 draw against Ekiti.
Speaking on the team’s impressive performances, Fatodu lauded the athletes’ dedication and dominance, expressing optimism about their overall chances.
“So far, it has been a great outing for Lagos State. This is just the first day, and with what we have seen across various games, we remain optimistic and confident that we will emerge victorious overall,” Fatodu stated.
He further highlighted the critical role of the Lagos State Sports Commission and the unwavering support from Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, which has significantly boosted team morale and performance.
“Our presence here has been a source of motivation for the athletes. They appreciate it, and it reflects in their mental approach and attitude on the field of play. We have ensured that they have everything they need, thanks to Mr. Governor’s commitment to sports development – from logistics and welfare to transportation, feeding, and security. Everything is top-notch,” he added.
With momentum on their side, Team Lagos remains focused on securing qualification slots across all ball games at the 22nd National Sports Festival – ‘Gateway Games’ – set to take place in Abeokuta, Ogun State, this May.
