Abia Valiants Win Southeast Div. One Handball Zonal Elimination, Qualify For National Championship

NSUKKA — Abia Valiants have emerged champions of the National Division One Handball Southeast Zonal Elimination League held at the Nsukka Sports Club, Enugu State.

The championship, concluded on October 6, 2026, saw the Abia side clinch the sole ticket to represent the Southeast Zone at the forthcoming National Division One Handball Championship later this year.

The victory marks another milestone in the development of handball in Abia State.

Reacting to the feat, Chairman of the Abia State Handball Association, Dr. Onyemenam, FCA, congratulated players, coaches and officials of the Valiants for their outstanding performance.

He commended the team’s determination and resilience and urged them to remain focused as they prepare for the national championship.

The Chairman expressed optimism that the Valiants would use the national championship as stepping stone towards gaining promotion to the Ardova Premier League, Nigeria’s top-flight handball competition.

Also, Director of Sports, Comrade Obioma George, who was present at the competition, congratulated the team and charged them to intensify training, discipline and commitment to prove their worth at the national stage.

Speaking on significance of the achievement, Southeast Zonal Representative, Chief Emmanuel Onyebuchi Asongwa (TM), said progress of handball in the Southeast is a collective responsibility.

He said Southeast handball has come to stay, stressing that the ambition is not merely to participate at national competitions but to make significant impact.

Chief Asongwa congratulated the Valiants and all participating teams while wishing them success in future competitions.

The Abia State Handball Association has called on stakeholders, supporters and handball enthusiasts to continue supporting the team as they embark on the next phase of their campaign.