Team Delta’s female football team clinched gold at the 22nd National Sports Festival, Gateway Games Ogun 2024, defeating the Invited Junior Athletes 7–6 in a dramatic penalty shootout, with goalkeeper Oparanyanwu Favour emerging as the hero.
The highly anticipated final ended goalless after 90 minutes of intense play. Despite a disallowed goal in the second half that sparked protests from Delta’s bench and fans, the team showed resilience. The match proceeded to a tense penalty shootout, where Favour’s two crucial saves in sudden death secured a 7–6 victory for Delta, avenging their 1–0 group-stage loss to the same opponents.
“This medal is for our Chairman, the Team Delta family, and everyone who believed in us,” said Favour, dedicating the win to the Delta State Sports Commission and her teammates. “Despite an unsupportive crowd, we stayed focused and got the result.”
Hon. Onoriode Oborevwori, Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, described the match as the festival’s highlight. “It felt like a continental cup final,” he said. “The entire stadium was against us, but our girls held their nerve. I’m incredibly proud.”
Delta’s victory bolsters their lead in the medals table, with 86 gold, 53 silver, and 70 bronze (209 total). Bayelsa follows with 142 medals, Ogun with 135, Rivers with 130, and Edo with 194.
The win strengthens Delta’s bid to retain the overall champions’ title at the Gateway Games.