By Samuel Akpan in Abeokuta
The Bayelsa Female Basketball team continued their dominant run, successfully defending their title at the 22nd National Sports Festival today in Abeokuta.
They secured a commanding 59-37 victory over host team Ogun State in the final.
Over 1,000 fans at the Alake Sport Centre in Ijeja, Abeokuta, witnessed the intense match, which underscored Bayelsa’s superior skill and strategic play.
“We came down to Ogun to defend our title and we did it in grand style,” said Bayelsa coach Tony Nelson in an exclusive chat with Persecondnews correspondent after the game.
“We sacrificed a lot to get to this stage, and this is our third straight gold. We did it in Edo, Delta, and now Ogun. We are poised to keep the record going.”
The Bayelsa team’s victory was a testament to their strong defense and transition game, which they had been working on in the lead-up to the final.
“We have been practicing our defense and transition, and it paid off today,” said Godgift Joseph, a key player for Bayelsa.
“We are so excited to win gold again, and playing against the crowd was also another motivation for my team. I love my girls; they are so committed and hardworking, and today you saw it yourself with our display on the court.”
The Ogun State team, despite their valiant effort, struggled to contain the Bayelsa team’s offence.
Coach Nelson’s tactical switch of players proved effective in denying Ogun State space to shoot and limiting their scoring opportunities.
The Bayelsa team’s dominance was evident throughout the game, and their third consecutive gold medal win cements their status as one of the top female basketball teams in the country.
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