The Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) has announced that the 2026 National Under-12 and Under-15 Handball Championship (male and female) will take place in Umuahia, Abia State, following a slight adjustment to the original schedule.
According to the HFN’s Secretary General Mrs Monica Otumala, teams are expected to arrive on March 23, 2026, with screening of players scheduled for March 24 by 9:30 a.m as the competition will run from March 24 to April 1, while departure is slated for April 2, 2026.
The date adjustment, according to Mrs Otumala, was made because the earlier schedule coincided with the Sallah holiday, while all other arrangements remain unchanged.
She stated that participating teams must ensure their athletes fall within the approved age categories and present National Identification Number (NIN) certificates alongside passport photographs during screening while also warning against the poaching or movement of underage players between teams or states, stressing that offenders would face strict sanctions.
“You are to also note that all teams present, must ensure they are handy with their players NIN certificates and passport photos of all to be screened for the tournament” Mrs Otumala said
“The decision of Handball federation of Nigeria (HFN) with regard to any matter on screening or technical will be deemed compulsory/final. Furthermore, we are appealing to our able coaches that there will be no ‘’poaching of players’’ meaning no movement of underage players from teams to teams or state to state and or borrowing of players, as HFN takes these issues as uncompromising and unacceptable. Any coach/proprietors of teams who is found wanting will be severely sanctioned by HFN as a defiance to lawful order.” Mrs Otumala stated
She also stated that the definitive registration list, including players’ biometric data and NIN information, must reach the HFN secretariat on or before March 10, 2026, or be submitted at the pre-match meeting scheduled for March 24. Late submissions after the meeting will attract penalties.
Mrs Otumala further disclosed that the winners and runners-up in both categories will represent Nigeria at the Partille Cup in Sweden and the Teramo Cup in Italy, which will provide young athletes with global exposure.
While calling on stakeholders to support the initiative, Mrs Otumala noted that the championship remains a key platform for grassroots talent development and strengthening Nigeria’s handball future.
