The Abia State Government, in collaboration with the Handball Federation of Nigeria, has organized the National Under-12 and Under-15 Handball Championship.
The championship, which kicked off on March 18, 2025, will run until March 29, 2025, at the Umuahia Township Stadium, featuring teams from 16 states across the country.
The State Director of Sports, Comrade Obioma George, in an interview with Journalists, emphasized that the championship aims to harness young talents that will elevate the game of handball in Nigeria.
“What you have seen here today is the first time Abia State is hosting the National Under 12 and 15 championship being sponsored by the sports loving Governor, Dr. Alex Otti”, Comrade Obioma stated.
He recalled Abia’s strong legacy in handball, particularly with the Valiants, a team that once dominated handball in Nigeria and Africa and acknowledged that challenges had caused the team to fade from the scene.
“In sports, no champion reigns forever. The Valiants did their part, but challenges pushed them out of the limelight.
“However, thanks to Governor Otti, whom we fondly call Chioma Ndi Sports for elevating,sports in Abia are being revived. Many sporting activities that were nearly moribund are coming back to life,” Comrade Obioma added.
He further highlighted the efforts of the Abia State Sports Council, under the leadership of Hon. Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwadinma Nwabilor Ananaba, in restoring Dports development in the State.
“Organizing this championship is a step in the right direction. It will help us rebuild the foundation of handball in Abia.
“Once the tournament ends, we will keep training these young players intensively. Give us a few years, and Abia will bounce back as a powerhouse in handball”, he assured.
Comrade Obioma also noted that incentives would be provided at the end of the tournament to encourage the young athletes in both sports and academics.
Also ,the Former Head of Service and South East Representative of the Nigerian Handball Federation, Sir Onyii Wamah, commended Governor Otti for sponsoring the tournament.
“It takes a visionary leader to achieve what Governor Otti has accomplished so far. This tournament brings handball back to the grassroots, ensuring that younger players are groomed to take over from the older generation”, he stated.
Sir Wamah emphasized that the championship is a key step toward putting both Abia State and Nigeria back on the global handball map.
