Teams Arrive Benin City For Handball Tournament
Ahead of the 2024 National Division One League billed to take place at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City; over 20 teams arrived in the ancient city on Sunday.
Upon their arrival, the teams participated in the technical meeting where the league draws were done.
The National Division One League, which the Edo State government proudly sponsors alongside the Handball Federation of Nigeria, is the second-tier league in which four teams from the men and women categories will gain promotion to the Ardova Handball Premier League 2025.
Matches will commence on Monday (today) and end on Friday 19 with two teams each from the men’s and women’s categories qualifying for the top-tier Ardova Handball Premier League.
Some of the teams taking part in the tournament are COAS Shooters, Bendel Dynamos, Police Machine, Bayelsa Boys and Arise Handball Club to mention a few in the men category; and Osun Babes, Mindscope Academy, Coal City Babes, Benue Queens and Police Machine in the female category.
Chairman of Edo State Sports Commission and former Athletic legend, Yussuf Ali, assured the Handball Federation of Nigeria and the participating teams of a hitch-free championship.
“Let me state clearly that we are happy to be a worthy partner with the Handball Federation of Nigeria in hosting the National Division One League,” he said.
“It has been a mutually beneficial and rewarding partnership which has seen Edo State attract the best of handball.
“I want to therefore assure the HFN that the Edo State Sports Commission has put plans in place to ensure that the National Division One League is a memorable one which will see the best of handballing experience in Benin City,” he concluded.
Secretary General of the HFN, Almu Lambu, expressed the appreciation of the HFN to the government of the hosting state.
“On behalf of the HFN, we want to thank the Edo State Government for choosing to partner with us in ensuring the continued growth of handball in Nigeria.”
