The Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) has announced that the National U-12 and U-15 Handball Championship will take place this month in Umuahia, the capital of Abia State.
According to a statement from HFN Secretary-General Monica Otumala, the championship is scheduled to be held from March 18 to 25. The arrival and screening of players will occur within the first two days, with matches commencing on March 20.
Otumala emphasized the importance of the screening process, which will take place on March 19 to verify the eligibility of players in the U-12 and U-15 categories. She warned that any teams, academies, or clubs found guilty of discrepancies would face sanctions.
“All participating states and academies are therefore urged to ensure that players presented for the exercise are within the correct age range. Any erring state or academy will be sanctioned appropriately,” she stated.
She further reiterated that “only players who pass the screening session will be allowed to participate in the championship.”
Additionally, Otumala noted that the winners and runners-up of the tournament would have the opportunity to represent Nigeria at future youth competitions, as determined by the federation.
