24/03/2026
HFN Holds Technical Meeting Ahead of U-12/15 National Handball Championship
Teams Arrive in Umuahia Ahead of Championship
Ahead of this year’s U-12 and U-15 National Handball Championship scheduled to take place in Umuahia, Abia State, the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) has convened a technical meeting in preparation for the tournament, which is set to commence on March 25, 2026, at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Umuahia Township Stadium.
The meeting was attended by the Vice President of the federation, Otunba Sylvester Ikuejamoye; the Technical Director, Coach Bala Mohammed Khalid; the Board Member representing the North-East, Alhaji Husseini Abdulkadir; the Secretary of HFN, Mrs. Monica Otumala; as well as other top officials of the federation, coaches, and team delegates.
Delivering the message of the HFN President, Mr. Jibril Ojih Saidu (FNIQS), the Vice President emphasized the importance of strict adherence to established rules and regulations. He noted that any violation would attract appropriate sanctions, stressing that compliance is essential to achieving a high-standard championship.
He further stated that any player who has featured in Division One or the Ardova Handball Premier League will not be eligible to participate, as the primary objective of the age-grade competition is to develop a strong and competitive cadet team for Nigeria.
In his remarks, the Technical Director, Coach Bala Mohammed Khalid, conducted a roll call to confirm the number of participating teams. Following the exercise, he welcomed all attendees and reiterated that the rules and regulations governing the championship would be strictly enforced. He warned that any coach, player, or official found violating the guidelines would be duly sanctioned.
Also speaking, the Board Member representing the North-East, Alhaji Husseini Abdulkadir, stated that age falsification would not be tolerated during the screening of players, which is scheduled to commence in the morning prior to kickoff. He revealed that, to ensure transparency and credibility, the HFN is collaborating with officials of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to curb the issue of age cheating.
Hostilities are set to begin on March 25, 2026, immediately after the screening exercise at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Umuahia Township Stadium.