Gboko Volunteer has qualified for the final of the 2021 National U18 Handball Championship in Lagos. Gboko Volunteers will face Bayelsa state in the final of the U18 Girls category at the outdoor court, Rowe Park, Yaba.
Gboko were the biggest winner as they narrowly beat highly rated Lagos 20 to 19 goals in the first U18 Girls semifinals match while Bayelsa state pummeled Ekiti 33 to 19 goals in the second U18 Girls semifinal match.
Gboko entered the game as underdogs but wowed the spectators with their fine play of handball. Lagos took the lead in the first half but the table turned around in the second half as Gboko converted their chances and their goalkeeper, Mngunengen Hwange made good saves including seven 7 meters saves.
An elated head coach of Gboko Volunteer, Godwin Tondo told www.aclsports.com that qualifying for the final is a dream come true for his players.
Tondo said he had intentions of not playing the semifinals because he was satisfied with his semifinals slot but he summoned courage and encouraged the girls to enjoy.
He said, “I am currently short of words because I and the girls never expected we could qualify for the final. This is a dream come through for these young players who abandoned the examinations and came to play the championship.
“I had intentions of not playing the semifinals because we were already intimidated by the Lagos players but I summoned courage and instructed the girls to enjoy themselves on the court”.
