Gateway Games 2024: How Kolade Otunla Broke National Record In Men’s 100m Backstroke; Ogun Athletes Shine In Handball Contest As Ogun Men’s Football Team Defeats FCT (+photos)

For the record:

BY ABU-SATAR HAMED

ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – Ogun State, the host of the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival (Gateway Games 2024), has asserted its dominance with impressive performances as Team Ogun’s swimming sensation, Kolade Otunla, etched his name into the record books by breaking the national men’s 100m backstroke record, winning gold with a sensational time of 1:02 minutes.

Otunla’s remarkable feat shattered the previous record set in 2018, firmly establishing him as one of Nigeria’s top swimmers and a formidable force in the sport.

Spectators erupted in celebration as Otunla surged through the water with speed and precision, leaving no doubt about his dominance in the event.

His victory marks a major milestone not only for Otunla personally but also for Team Ogun, setting a new benchmark for future competitors and boosting the state’s medal profile.

Coaches and teammates were full of praise for Otunla, attributing his success to relentless training, discipline, and an unyielding commitment to excellence.

With this record-breaking performance, all eyes are now on Kolade Otunla as he aims for even greater triumphs in national and international swimming competitions.

Also, in the handball events which came to an end on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, across various competition venues in the state, the Ogun State women’s handball team, at the Alake Sports Centre in Abeokuta, outclassed their Kogi State counterparts with a commanding 32-20 victory.

The match, filled with tension and excitement, saw Team Ogun take control early, scoring 16 goals in the first half while Team Kogi managed to net 11.

In a related development, Ogun State’s male football team defeated the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, 3-1 in a match played at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne-Remo. Star player Joseph Abba emerged as the standout performer, scoring twice (a brace) to seal the victory.

Speaking to journalists after the match, Ogun’s head coach for the women’s handball team, Shola Sekoni, expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance and praised the state government for creating a supportive environment for the athletes.

“I must first thank the Governor (Dapo Abiodun) for giving us this game. We just started, so I will give them 50 percent. I believe we are qualifying and we are getting to the final”, he stated.

Coach Sekoni added that although the team began the match strongly, they had to adapt their strategy midway as energy levels dipped.

“They cannot understand our pattern. Our next match is against Plateau, our girls are not leaving any stone unturned to ensure we win”, he stated.

Despite the defeat, Team Kogi’s Head Coach, Emeka Joseph, remained optimistic about their prospects in the tournament. He praised his players’ efforts and looked ahead with confidence.

“The girls did very well even though we couldn’t win the match. They played their best. We lost, but we are still satisfied while we prepare for the next match against Plateau State”, he said.

Coach Joseph assured that his team is not discouraged and is determined to bounce back.

“We are not giving up. I believe we are going to win the next match”, he added.