Coach of Ekiti handball girls’ team, Idowu Kayode has explained why his players busted into tears following their defeat at the hands of Sokoto at the 7th National Youth Games.
Ekiti State lost to Sokoto State 18-19 in the girl’s quarterfinals of the just concluded 2023 National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State.
Kayode told www.aclsports.com that the players had made a promise to return to Ado-Ekiti following the Governor’s quick intervention in kitting the contingents.
He said within the short period Governor Abiodun Oyebanji took over, sports has witnessed a drastic change.
Idowu Kayode said, “It was an emotional match for me because the young girls thought they had made it to the semi-finals and were guaranteed a medal. I could not believe my eyes that we lost the match but that is the game of handball for you.
“I am glad the way they showed total dedication in the quarterfinals of the game; I thank God for the event. In the game of handball, you cannot underrate any team; we came with the mindset of going back home with medals.
“The reason why the girls wept after the match was that they had the intention of decorating the Governor with their medals because since he came on board, we have been attending tournaments. I want to appreciate the current Governor. He is a lover of sports and he has been good to sportsmen and women”.
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Idowu Kayode revealed that the Governor gave approval two months before the National Youth Games commenced in Asaba.
He said preparations will begin in earnest ahead of the 2024 National Division One Handball League.
He said, “Ekiti state received approval for the National Youth Games two months before the commencement which has never happened. I believe during his tenure; sports will reach an enviable height. We will be fielding some of these players for next year’s National Division One League and I want to assure you that the players will give their best”.
