The 2026 National Under-12 and Under-15 Handball Championship has been rescheduled, with the competition now set to take place in Umuahia, Abia State, from March 23 to April 2, 2026.
The Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) announced the new dates in an official circular to state associations, explaining that the adjustment was made to avoid a clash with the Sallah holiday.
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According to the revised programme, participating teams are expected to arrive in Umuahia on March 23, with screening exercises scheduled to commence on March 24 at 9:30 a.m.
Competitive matches will run from March 24 to April 1, while teams will depart the host city on April 2, 2026.
The federation also reiterated key regulations for the championship.
All teams must submit their final registration lists, including biometric details and National Identification Numbers (NIN), on or before March 10, 2026. Players will be required to present original NIN certificates and recent passport photographs during the screening process.
HFN further warned against player poaching during the tournament, stressing that any state or club found guilty of violating eligibility rules will face strict sanctions.
Winners and runners-up in both age categories will earn the opportunity to represent Nigeria at international youth tournaments, including the Partille Cup in Sweden and the Teramo Cup.
The rescheduled championship is expected to attract teams from across the country, as the federation continues its drive to develop handball at the grassroots level and groom future national stars.
