The Handball Federation of Nigeria has declared her readiness to host the National Division One League.
The National Division One League, a qualifying tournament for the Prudent Energy Handball Premier League, will hold in Benin City, Edo State from this Friday 9th to Saturday 17th of July 2021.
Teams such as Owena Kings and Owena Queens of Ondo, Prison Key Boys and Valiants of Abia are all eligible to play after being relegated in the Prudent Energy Handball Premier League in 2019
The Secretary General of HFN, Alhaji Maigidansanma Mohammed, in a statement said everything needed for the successful hosting of the league are in place via the co-operation of the Edo State Handball Association.
He also advised teams to ensure they get into town quickly and settle down for the competition on time.
“We are ready for the National Division One League and every tool necessary for the the successful hosting of the competition are in place.
“We urge the teams to get to Benin City early enough so they can be prepared for the hostilities ahead” Alhaji Maigidansanma said.
Meanwhile, Chairman Caretaker Committee of the Handball Federation of Nigeria Mr. Samuel Ocheho has reiterated that the HFN will continue to invest in developmental competitions to discover new talents and that the National Division One League is no exception.
For Ocheho, the National Division One League is another avenue for more players to be added to the pool of players considered for the national duties.
“We have consistently mentioned that our goal is to invest in developmental programmes and competitions aimed at discovery of young players and the National Division One League is one of such developmental competitions.
“The Division One League is an avenue to add more players to our pool of players that we will be considering for all cadres of national teams when preparing for international Championships.
“Our goal is to catch them young, nurture them, prepare and maximize their talents so they will grow and make our nation proud” Ocheho said.
Four teams (two teams apiece for the male and female category) will get promotion into the top tier Prudent Energy Handball Premier League from the Division One League.
