Nigeria, May 26 -- The race for gold in the women's handball event at the 2025 National Sports Festival reached a fever pitch on Sunday, as Team Sokoto delivered a commanding statement of intent with a dominant 45-18 thrashing of Bauchi, sealing their spot in the semifinals in emphatic fashion.

From the first whistle at the handball court of the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, Sokoto left no doubt about their supremacy, racing to a 24-12 halftime lead before stretching the margin with relentless attacks and watertight defence in the second half.

Their 27-goal victory margin was the largest of the round and sends a clear warning to the remaining contenders.

In another quarterfinal clash, hosts Ogun State had their resilience tested but ...