The Prudent Energy Handball Premier League 2021 will no longer be in phases but will hold on consolidated basis in October 2021 according to the new revised calendar of the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN)
In the revised calendar released by the Handball Federation of Nigeria, the top tier premier handball league which was hitherto played in phases with the first phase slated to hold in Abuja this May, will now hold in the Nation’s Capital (Abuja) later in the year in October in one consolidated event wherein the teams will play round robin games amongst themselves and the league winners as well as the relegated teams will be decided.
The decision to play in one phased competition as it was played last year, according to the HFN President Mr. Sam Ocheho, was made after due consultation with stakeholders who didn’t think playing through the Ramadan period was ideal.
He also reiterated that Prudent Energy who are the sponsor of the league are determined to abide by the decision of the handball family.
“The first phase of the Prudent Energy Handball Premier League 2031 would have held in May but Stakeholders were not prepared to play through the Ramadan” Ocheho said
“Some wanted the division one to hold to bring about more competitiveness in the league as that will ensure demotion and promotion of new teams.
The HFN board listened to the wishes of the stakeholders hence the Prudent Energy Handball league will be holding on a consolidated basis this year as it was last year.
“I must emphasize this is no fault of the sponsors as they are ready and willing to work with the decisions of the handball community”.
Other changes in the new revised HFN calendar would see the National Women Handball Team commence camping for the Africa Women Handball Nations Cup in Abuja from May 2 through to the first week of June 2021 when they will depart th country for Cameroon wherein the Championship will hold from June 6 to 18, 2021.
In July, the National Division One League will hold which one which will enable teams to gain promotion for the Prudent Energy Handball Premier 2021.
The venue of the Division One League will communicated by the HFN soonest.
Sokoto will play host to the National Under 12/15 Handball Championship in August 2021.
It would be recalled that the Sokoto State Government led by Governor Aminu Tambuwal, impressed with successful 2020 edition of the National Under 12/15 Handball Championship which held in the state, had promised the continued hosting of the age grade handball championship for the next three editions.
This is the first of the editions and according to the HFN President Sam Ocheho, Sokoto State cannot wait for the commencement of the championship.
Ocheho said the handball family is looking towards a loaded second half of the year filled with activities while also urging stakeholders to continue supporting the programmes and activities of the Handball Federation of Nigeria.
