Handball Federation of Nigeria Postpones Ardova Premier League
The Handball Federation of Nigeria (HNF), has postponed Phase One of the 2024 Ardova Handball Premier League, which is the biggest handball event in Nigeria, that was to begin on April 28th through to May 11th.
Teams are now expected to arrive Benin City on May 12th, while hostilities will then begin the next day, May 13th through to May 24th, 2024.
The Ardova Handball Premier League 2024 phase 1 will now hold in May in Benin City, Edo State.The top tier Handball league which is the biggest handball event in Nigeria, was to begin on April 28 through to May 11, 2024 but has now being shifted by two weeks
— Handball Federation Of Nigeria (@Handballnigeria) April 8, 2024
The President of the Federation, Samuel Ocheho, made the announcement in Abuja. He said that the postponement by two weeks will enable the organisers to put all things in place for a world class competition.
According to Ocheho, the shift will also give teams more time to adequately prepare for the league. He said the postponement is to ensure a perfect first phase of the best handballing experience for the teams.
“It is the seventh season of the Ardova Handball Premier League and we and our sponsor want to ensure that it is highly competitive and surpasses the gain and successes of the 2023,” he said
Ocheho urged the 22 teams and officials to use the opportunity of the shift in date to finish up with player registration.
“I want to plead with the clubs to ensure they finish up with players registration and other requirements as instructed by the organising and technical committee of the league,” Ocheho added.
“This is very important so that it does not affect the preparation for the commencement of the league.”
The Ardova Handball Premier League is the top handball league in Nigeria that consists of 22 teams (12 male and 10 female teams) and runs in two phases.
Niger United and Safety Babes are the defending champions of the male and female categories for the 2023 Ardova Handball Premier League.
The four teams promoted from the National Division One League 2023, will make their debut at the Ardova Handball Premier League 2024. The teams include Adamawa Warriors of Yola and Sunshine Kings of Akure in the Men’s Category, and Rivers Queens and COAS Babes in the Women’s Category.
The 2024 Ardova Handball Premier League will now commence from May 12th – 25th in Benin City, Edo.
HFN/NAN/Chidi Nwoke.
