Young Stars To Storm Umuahia As Handball Nationals Get New Date
By TAYO TAIWO (T. T.) OLUWOLE
Umuahia to Host Youth Handball Showpiece
THE Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) has confirmed a new date and venue for the 2026 National Under-12 and Under-15 Handball Championship for boys and girls, with Umuahia, Abia State, set to host the competition.
Secretary General of the federation, Mrs. Monica Otumala, announced that teams are expected to arrive on 23 March 2026. Player screening will take place on 24 March at 9:30 a.m., while matches will run from 24 March through 1st April. Departure is scheduled for 2nd April.
She explained that the slight adjustment to the timetable became necessary because the initial dates clashed with the Sallah holiday. Aside from the revised schedule, all other logistics and arrangements remain unchanged.
Strict Eligibility Rules
The federation stressed strict compliance with age and registration guidelines. All players must fall within the approved age categories and present their National Identification Number (NIN) certificates along with passport photographs during screening.
Mrs. Otumala warned coaches and officials against the poaching or transfer of underage players between teams or states, describing the act as unacceptable. She emphasized that violations of federation regulations would attract severe sanctions.
“The decision of the federation on screening and technical matters shall be final,” she stated, adding that the HFN will not tolerate breaches of its guidelines.
Teams are required to submit definitive registration lists, including biometric data and NIN details, to the HFN secretariat on or before 10 March 2026. Documents may also be presented at the pre-match meeting on March 24, but late submissions after that date will incur penalties.
International Incentive
In a major boost for participants, the federation disclosed that winners and runners-up in both categories will represent Nigeria at the prestigious Partille Cup in Sweden and the Teramo Cup in Italy.
The HFN described the championship as a vital grassroots platform aimed at grooming the next generation of handball talents and strengthening Nigeria’s future in the sport.
