The 2025 National Division One Handball League concluded in style on Friday at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Township Stadium, Umuahia, Abia State, with AIRFORCE Handball Club and Soof Handball Club emerging champions in the men’s and women’s categories respectively.
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In the women’s final, Soof Handball Club underlined their dominance with a commanding 36–23 victory over Funad Academy after taking a 15–7 lead at halftime. Girl Child Academy secured third place, defeating Edo Dynamos 27–21 (HT: 15–10).
The men’s category saw AIRFORCE HBC crowned champions following a 34–22 triumph over U-H Abia in front of their passionate supporters. Suleja Shooters were awarded a walkover victory against Bayelsa to finish in third place.
With these results, four teams gained promotion to the elite National Premier Handball League sponsored by Ardova PLC. They include Soof Handball Club and Funad Academy in the women’s division, alongside AIRFORCE HBC and U-H Abia in the men’s division.
Individual excellence was also celebrated with several players receiving awards.
Female Awards: Okolo Joan (Soof Handball Club, Jersey No. 4) – Highest Goal Scorer; Emaore Enifome Emamuzo (Soof, Jersey No. 17) – Best Goalkeeper; and Auda Salamata Favour (Funad Academy) – Most Valuable Player.
Male Awards: Sulaiman Usman (AIRFORCE, Jersey No. 17) – Highest Goal Scorer; Shaibu Friday Michael (U-H Abia, Jersey No. 16) – Best Goalkeeper; and Samuel Achema (U-H Abia, Jersey No. 4) – Most Valuable Player.
Match Results
Female Category
Third Place: Edo Dynamos 21–27 Girl Child Academy (HT: 10–15)
Final: Soof Handball Club 36–23 Funad Academy (HT: 15–7)
Male Category
Third Place: Suleja Shooters 10–0 Bayelsa (Walkover)
Final: AIRFORCE HBC 34–22 U-H Abia (HT: 18–12)
Final Standings
Female
1. Soof Handball Club – Champions
2. Funad Academy
3. Girl Child Academy
Male
1. AIRFORCE HBC – Champions
2. U-H Abia
3. Suleja Shooters
