Team Bayelsa scored a late equaliser and finally defeated defending champions Team FCT 5-4 in a penalty shootout to win the men’s football event of the 2021 National Sports Festival, tagged Delta 2022 at the Jay Jay Okocha Stadium, Ogwashi Ukwu
Team FCT were coasting home to victory until they conceded a 90th-minute penalty kick converted by Godwin to level scores and in the ensuing shootout, Team Bayelsa converted all their five kicks while FCT lost one
In the women’s category, the enterprising Team Imo scored a late goal in the 97th minute to beat hard fighting Team Lagos girls 1-0 to win the gold
Speaking after the finals, Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation, Augustine Eguavoen said he was impressed with the standard of the football events adding the teams played out their hearts
“My joy is that we made some discoveries -who we shall monitor for a possible call-up to our age-grade national teams. I saw some skilful and intelligent players who need to be polished for use in our national teams,” Eguavoen said.
“Most of the good players are above the age grade teams and we cannot help but encourage them to continue their development.
“In the women’s category, Imo surprised all with the game and rightly won the gold medal. Gombe girls also impressed being a northerner,” the former Super Eagles captain stated.
Meanwhile hosts Delta State still lead on the medal standings and now have 101 gold, 48 silver and 35 bronze with a total of 184 medals.
In second place is Edo with 16 gold, 25 silver and 42 bronze and Bayelsa occupy third spot with 16 gold, 17 silver and 19 bronze.
In fourth position is Ogun with 11 gold, seven silver and 14 bronze while Oyo has nine gold, 14 silver and 15 bronze.
By Richard Jideaka, Asaba
