The Abia Valiants have emerged champions of the National Division One Handball Southeast Zonal Elimination League held at the Nsukka Sports Club, Enugu State, qualifying to represent the Southeast Zone at the National Division One Handball Championship later this year
The Valiants’ impressive performance throughout the competition earned them the coveted qualification ticket and marked another significant milestone in the development and promotion of handball in Abia State.
Chairman of the Abia State Handball Association, Dr Onyemenam, FCA, congratulated the players, coaches and officials for their outstanding performance, commending their determination and resilience.
He urged the team to remain focused as they prepare for the national championship, expressing optimism that the competition could serve as a stepping stone towards their bigger ambition of gaining promotion to the Ardova Premier League, Nigeria’s top-flight handball competition.
Also present was the Director of Sports, Comrade Obioma George, who expressed delight over the achievement. He congratulated the players and technical crew and urged them to intensify their training, discipline and commitment ahead of the national stage.
Speaking on the wider significance of the achievement, the Southeast Zonal Representative, Chief Emmanuel Onyebuchi Asongwa (TM), said the progress of handball in the Southeast is a collective responsibility.
He declared that Southeast handball has come to stay, stressing that the ambition is not merely to participate in national competitions but to make a significant mark at the national level.
Chief Asongwa congratulated the Abia Valiants and all participating teams, wishing them success in their future competitions.
The Abia State Handball Association congratulated the Valiants and called on stakeholders, supporters and handball enthusiasts across the state to continue supporting the team as they begin the next phase of their campaign.
