Benin based female handball team Omo Ogiefo Sports Academy and COAS Shooters have emerged champions of Omo Ogiefo Sports Academy 2024 National Division 1 Handball League. They showcased remarkable resilience and determination, coming from behind to defeat the experienced Ekiti Queens with a narrow 18-17 victory.
Despite trailing for much of the game, their team spirit and tactical prowess helped them to edge out Ekiti Queens in a dramatic fashion, securing the coveted gold cup and also qualified for the Ardova Premier League along with Ekiti Queens in the women category.
In the male category, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Shooters overpowered Osun United by 21 points against 15 to win the men’s league. Both teams are equally qualified for the Ardova Premier League 2025.
Meanwhile, the President, Handball Federation of Nigeria, Sam Ocheho has commended Edo State Government and the Executive Chairman, Edo State Sports Commission, Olympian Yussuf Alli for the support and sponsorship the Handball Federation has enjoyed partnering with Edo State since the past four years.
The HFN president gave the commendation in a chat with journalists during the finals of the National Division 1 Handball League at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.
Ocheho said Edo is home to the Handball Federation and hoped for a renewal of the partnership between Edo State Government and the Federation. He described Edo State as a friendly place, adding that the Handball Federation has enjoyed the collaboration it had with the State.
“Edo State has been good to us, they have given us the opportunity to grow with them and that is why we are bringing all our championships to the State.
“Currently, our National Under-18 team is camping in Benin City and right here at the Stadium. Everything is going well for us in Benin City, and I they are in high spirit ahead of the World Championship,” Ocheho added.
Speaking earlier in an interview with journalists, the Permanent Secretary, Edo State Sports Commission, Dr. Igbinosa Emmanuel said he felt fulfilled with the Edo State hosting of the Handball Federation of Nigeria, saying that the four years contract which just ended is rewarding.
Highlighting the benefits, he affirmed that bringing national handball championships to Edo since four years has impacted young handball players in the state with reference to the winners of the 2024 National Division 1 League Omo Ogiefo Sports Academy. He disclosed that the team represented Edo State at the National Under-13 and 15 last year.
“The Handball Leagues in Edo has impacted on us. The Team Omo Ogiefo we sent for Under-13 and 15 last year are now qualified for the Ardova Premier League. That is the great feat hosting HFN has done for us,” Igbinosa said.