Edo Hosts National Division One Handball League, Assures Hitch-Free Competition

The Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City is set to become the hub of sporting and business activities as the 2024 National Division One Handball Premier League kicks off on Monday, July 15, 2024. 

This prestigious event, organized by the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) in collaboration with the Edo State Sports Commission, is generously sponsored by the Edo State Government, which has been a steadfast supporter of HFN's events since 2022.

Olympian Yussuf Alli, the Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, has assured the Handball Federation of Nigeria and the participating teams of a hitch-free and memorable event. 

Alli promised participants a hospitable reception throughout the tournament, emphasizing Edo State's reputation as the home of culture and hospitality.

Prof. Emmanuel Akhigbe, Chairman of the Competition Organizing Commission for the Handball Federation of Nigeria, stated that participating teams and officials are expected to arrive in Benin City on Sunday, July 14, 2024. The handball league matches will commence on Monday, July 15, 2024, and will continue until Friday, July 19, 2024, at the Multi-Purpose Sports Hall of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

The National Division One League is the second-tier league, where the champions and runners-up in the male and female categories will gain promotion to compete in the top-tier Ardova Handball Premier League in 2025. 

This year's participants include teams relegated from the Ardova Handball Premier League 2023, such as the Bendel Dynamos Men's team, Bayelsa Queens, Benue Queens, and Police Machine Men's team, among others.

Mr. Almu Umar Lambu, Secretary General of the Handball Federation of Nigeria, expressed his gratitude to the Edo State Government for their partnership and sponsorship of the National Division One League, highlighting the state's significant contribution to the development of handball in Nigeria.

The 2024 National Division One Handball Premier League promises to be an exciting and competitive event, showcasing the best of Nigerian handball talent and fostering a spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie among the teams.