The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) pulled off a dramatic 21–19 victory over Delta State in the most thrilling encounter of the men’s handball quarterfinals at the ongoing National Sports Festival in Ogun State.
The pulsating tie, played on Saturday, May 24, 2025, went the distance—ending 17–17 in regulation time before FCT clinched it in the second period of extra time.
It was a game of two halves, with Delta holding a slim 11–9 lead at the break. However, FCT fought back valiantly in the second half to force extra time and ultimately showed greater composure to seal the win, booking a place in the semifinals.
Elsewhere, hosts Ogun State delighted the home crowd with a convincing 29–21 win over Niger, dominating from the start with a 14–8 lead at halftime and maintaining their grip in the second half.
Defending champions, Edo State had to work hard for their 20–15 victory over Sokoto, with a narrow 8–6 lead at halftime, Edo’s experience showed in the closing stages as they shut out a resilient Sokoto side.
In the final quarterfinal matchup, Lagos State were in ruthless form, overpowering Adamawa 37–22. Lagos raced to a commanding 17–7 lead in the first half and never looked back, delivering the highest scoreline of the round.
The semifinal pairings promise to deliver even more excitement as the race for gold intensifies in Abeokuta. The women semi final will hold on Sunday at the Alake Sports Centre.
