U-H Abia, SOOF Crowned Champions as National Division One Handball League Ends in Umuahia

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 U-H Abia 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 U-H Abia thrilling their home supporters after a decisive 34–22 win over Airforce. The Abia team led 18–12 at the break before sealing the title emphatically in front of their fans. 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; U H Abia and AIRFORCE HBC in the male category

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

Okolo Joan of Soof Handball Club emerged Highest Goal Scorer (Female), while her teammate Emaore Enifome Emamuzo was voted Best Goalkeeper (Female).

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

In the men’s category, Sulaiman Usman (Airforce) clinched the Highest Goal Scorer award, while Shaibu Friday Michael ( U-H Abia) took home Best Goalkeeper (Male).

The prestigious Most Valuable Player (Male) went to Samuel Achema ( 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)