Abuja, Makurdi To Host Major Handball Competitions
HFN Rolls Out Plans for Major 2026 Handball Tournaments
THE Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) has unveiled plans for a series of major domestic competitions in 2026 as part of renewed efforts to strengthen handball development and expand the sport’s popularity across the country.
The federation confirmed that the highly anticipated Handball Premier League will hold in Abuja in August, while the fast-growing 4×4 Handball Championship is scheduled for Makurdi, Benue State.
HFN also announced that the North-Central Handball Championship will take place in Lafia, Nasarawa State, from 12 to 18 July, further adding to what officials described as a packed and competitive handball calendar for the year.
Focus on Grassroots Development
According to the federation, the competitions are aimed at deepening grassroots participation and creating more opportunities for emerging players and clubs to showcase their talents on the national stage.
Officials believe the tournaments will help improve the quality of domestic competition while exposing more young athletes to high-level handball environments.
The federation added that clubs, coaches, referees and handball enthusiasts from different regions of the country are expected to participate in the events.
Expanding the Reach of Handball
HFN stated that the tournaments form part of broader efforts to take handball beyond its traditional centres and attract new audiences across Nigeria.
The federation noted that hosting competitions in different states would help stimulate local interest in the sport while encouraging state associations to invest more in talent development and infrastructure.
Observers within the sports community say the increasing number of domestic handball events reflects growing momentum around the sport in recent years.
Building Competitive Standards
The federation also expressed confidence that the competitions would improve competitiveness among clubs and players ahead of future continental and international engagements.
Sports administrators believe regular domestic tournaments remain essential for developing technically sound players capable of representing Nigeria at elite levels.
With preparations already underway, expectations are rising that the upcoming competitions could further boost the profile of handball within Nigeria’s sporting landscape.
