AIRFORCE, HBC, SOOF Crowned Champions As National Division One Handball League Ends In Umuahia

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The 2025 National Division One Handball League came to a thrilling close on Friday at the Indoor Sports Hall, Township Stadium, Umuahia, Abia State, with Soof Handball Club and AIRFORCE HBC lifting the titles in the women’s and men’s categories respectively.

In the women’s final, Soof Handball Club asserted their superiority with a commanding 36–23 victory over Funad Academy, having led 15–7 at halftime. The win capped off a remarkable campaign for them.

Meanwhile, Girl Child Academy claimed third place after edging Edo Dynamos 27–21 (HT: 15–10).

The men’s category climaxed with AIRFORCE Handball team comfortably defeating U-H Abia with a decisive 34–22 win in the presence of their fans to be crowned champion of the National Division One League 2025 while Suleja Shooters were awarded a walkover victory against Bayelsa to take third place.

This means these four teams have gotten promotion into the National Premier Handball League presently sponsored by Ardova PLC. They are Soof Handball Club and Funad Academy in the female category; AIRFORCE HBC and U H Abia in the male category

Meanwhile, individual brilliance was also recognised as outstanding players received awards.

Okolo Joan (jersey No. 4, Soof Handball Club) emerged Highest Goal Scorer (Female), while her teammate Emaore Enifome Emamuzo (jersey No. 17) was voted Best Goalkeeper (Female).

Auda Salamata Favour of Funad Academy was named Most Valuable Player (Female).

In the men’s category, Sulaiman Usman (jersey No. 17, Airforce) clinched the Highest Goal Scorer award, while Shaibu Friday Michael (jersey No. 16, U-H Abia) took home Best Goalkeeper (Male).

The prestigious Most Valuable Player (Male) went to Samuel Achema (jersey No. 4, U-H Abia).

Female Category

Third Place

Edo Dynamos 21–27 Girl Child Academy (HT: 10–15)

Final

Soof Handball Club 36–23 Funad Academy (HT: 15–7)

Male Category

Third Place

Suleja Shooters 10–0 Bayelsa

Final

U-H Abia 34–22 Airforce (HT: 18–12)

Final Standings