By Cosmos Chukwuemeka Akisi, Media Assistant to HFN President
President of the Handball Federation of Nigeria Mr. Sam Ocheho has disclosed that the National Under 18/21 Handball Championship will aid in discovering future stars who will make the country proud in international events.
Ocheho, who made the declaration at the opening ceremony at Rowe Park Sports Centre Yaba Lagos on Friday, also revealed that the Federation will do everything possible to help the players maximize their potential in their quest to be superstars as the Championship is a developmental one.
The HFN president while addressing the teams advised the players and the officials to be of good conduct and ensure they do not do anything to bring the sport into disrepute.
He also advised the players to follow the rules of the game, eliminate fear as they face different opponents, and imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship.
In the game proper, host, Lagos ruthlessly defeated Plateau 33-9 in the Under 19 female category while Bayelsa defeated fellow first-timers Gboko 20-9.
In the male category for under 18, Kogi’s second-half onslaught paid off as they drew 25-25 with FCT while Ondo defeated Osun 17-13.
In the under 21 female category, a determined Suleja Shooters won MindScope Academy 33-31 despite being one man down while Kwara comfortably saw off with a 19-3 victory.
In the under 21 Male category, MindScope Academy defeated Oyo 20-15 while Niger came top with a comfortable 31-17 victory.
Matches commence at 7am on Saturday
Under 18 Female
Lagos 33 Vs Plateau 9
Bayelsa 20 Vs Gboko 9
Under 18 Male
Kogi 25 Vs FCT 25
Ondo 17 Vs Osun 13
Under 21 Female
Suleja Shooters 33 Vs MindScope 31
Osun 3 Vs Kwara 19
Under 21 Male
MindScope Academy 20 Vs Oyo 15
Niger 31 Vs Plateau 17
