Team Ondo showcased its sporting excellence at the recently concluded South West Zonal Eliminations for the 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF) in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The state secured qualification in four out of the seven sports they participated in, reinforcing its reputation as a powerhouse in Nigerian sports.
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Competing in seven ball games—Football (Male), Abula (Male, Female, and Mixed Doubles), Beach Volleyball (Male and Female), Volleyball (Male), Handball (Male), Basketball (Female), and Hockey (Male)—Ondo State delivered remarkable performances across multiple disciplines.
The Abula male team was the first to secure a qualification ticket, claiming victory over Lagos and Oyo to finish first. The female Abula team also qualified after placing second, having defeated Lagos but falling to Oyo. In the mixed doubles category, they secured a second-place finish after a loss to Lagos.
In basketball, Ondo’s female team earned a spot at the NSF by finishing second, with wins against Oyo and Osun but a defeat to Lagos. Meanwhile, the male football team also secured qualification, placing second with four points after a win over Oyo, a draw against Ekiti, and a loss to Lagos.
However, the tournament proved tough for the state’s male hockey, male handball, and both beach volleyball teams (male and female), as they were unable to secure qualification.
One of the standout moments of the competition was the historic qualification of Ondo’s male volleyball team, the Sunshine Spikers. The defending NSF champions showcased dominance by winning all their matches—defeating Lagos and Osun 3-0 and overcoming Oyo 3-2.
Reacting to the team’s performance, the General Manager of the Ondo State Sports Council, Sunday Fagite, commended the athletes for their determination and attributed their success to the timely support of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. He expressed appreciation for the governor’s commitment to sports development and assured that the state would intensify preparations ahead of the main event in Ogun State later this year.
Fagite lauded the athletes for their resilience and sportsmanship, pledging the necessary support to ensure they shine at the national level. With qualification secured in male football, male volleyball, female basketball, and Abula (male, female, and mixed doubles), Team Ondo is now focused on the 22nd National Sports Festival, aiming to build on their success and maintain their dominance at the Gateway Games 2024 in Ogun State
