The Ardova Handball Premier League 2024 phase 1 will now hold in May in Benin City, Edo State.
The top tier Handball league which is the biggest handball event in Nigeria, was to begin on April 28 through to May 11, 2024 but has now being shifted by two weeks by the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) for effective preparation in tandem with the sponsor Ardova PLC and will now hold from May 12 to 25, 2024.
Teams are expected to arrive Benin City on May 12, 2024 while hostilities will then begin the next day, May 13 through to May 24, 2024. Departure is May 25, 2024.
President of the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) Mr. Samuel Ocheho said the postponement of the first phase of the league by two weeks will enable organisers to put all things in place for a world class competition for all the teams of the league and fans globally that follow the league.
“The postponement isn’t because we are not ready” Ocheho said
“Rather, it is to ensure a perfect first phase of the best of handballing experience for the teams who are the major actors and the fans who will be watching from far and near globally.”
‘It is the seventh season of the Ardova Handball Premier League and we and our sponsor want to ensure that it is highly competitive and surpasses the gain and successes of the Ardova Handball Premier League 2023″
Ocheho also urged the the twenty two teams and officials to use the opportunity of the shift in date to finish up with their player registrations and other things as required by organizing and technical committee.
“I want to plead with the clubs to ensure they finish up with player registrations and other requirements as instructed by the organizing and technical committee of the league. This is very important so that it does not hamper their preparation for the commencement of the league” Ocheho said.
The Ardova Handball Premier League is the top handball league in the country that consists of 22 teams (12 male teams and 10 female teams) and runs in two phases.
The league is in its 7th season and it is the second year of the new sponsorship with Ardova PLC.
Niger United and Safety Babes are the defending champions of the male and female categories respectively for the Ardova Handball Premier League 2023.
Also Four teams who got promotion from the National Division One League 2023 will make their debut at the Ardova Handball Premier League 2024.
The teams are Adamawa Warriors of Yola and Sunshine Kings of Akure in the Men Category; and Rivers Queens and COAS Babes for the Women Category.
