Adamawa Warriors and Rivers Queens on Friday emerged champions of the National Division One League 2023 as the league ended in Benin with the Permanent Secretary of Edo State Sports Commission, Mrs. Sabina Chikere, savouring the gains of the standard sports infrastructure at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, the host venue of the Handball Federation of Nigeria for the second time this year.
Recall that the remodelled Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium which hosted the 2022 Handball Division one was also busy early this month with the Ardova Handball Premier League at the same time the National Athletics Federation’s World Athletics Qualifiers Championship was going on in Benin City.
Mrs. Chikere said that the state is happy to host the nation, adding that Governor Obaseki’s investment in sports facilities is better appreciated when the stadium facilities are put into proper use, hence the sports commission derives pleasure in hosting national sports federations.”
“We are open to local, national events. We will always support the Handball Federation, Athletics Federation, and others,” Mrs. Chikere added.
The one-week-long Handball Division One League ended on Friday evening with Adamawa Warriors being crowned champions in the men’s category after defeating Sunshine Kings of Akure in an epic final at the indoor sports hall of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, Edo State.
The Yola-based team were promoted to the Ardova Handball Premier League on day 5 after shockingly defeating tournament favourite COAS Shooters before they overpowered Sunshine Kings 22-20 to be crowned champions.
Sunshine Kings finished second and also gained promotion to the Ardova Handball Premier League 2024, while COAS Shooters settled for third position after defeating Nasarawa Ambassadors 34-25.
In the women’s category, Rivers Queens were crowned champions after going unbeaten in the National Division One League. They have also gained promotion to the Ardova Handball Premier League.
COAS Babes finished second after they comfortably defeated Fountain Queens 35-19 to also gain promotion to the Ardova Handball Premier League.
