Kano Pillars and Safety Babes yesterday emerged winners in the men and women categories of the 2022 Prudent Energy Premier Handball League held at the Indoor Sports Hall of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka.
Playing in the last game of the final day fixture, Pillars again showed why they are league leaders from the first phase in the men’s category coming into the concluding phase of the championship, as they played 21 to 21 against hard-fighting, Safety Shooters and remained unbeaten.
In the other fixtures, D: Defenders defeated Confluence Stars 29-28, Benue Buffaloes lost to Police Machine 25 -28, Owena Kings played a 32- 32 draw against Tojemarine Academy while Niger United beat Rima Strikers 33 to 24.
In the women’s class, Rima Queens defeated Bendel Dynamos 31- 29, Safety Babes lost their unbeaten runs, as they surprisingly lost to Defenders Babes 22 to 25 in a close contest.
President of the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) Samuel Ocheho, thanked the Prudent Group for its commitment in the last five years of the league, as he appealed to the sponsor for an extension.
He said: “Today marks the end of the five-year commitment of Prudent Energy to the HFN. It has been a wonderful and a glorious five years.
“The partnership has grown in leaps and bounds. I am actually surprised at how long we have been together on this journey. It has been a mutually beneficial relationship.
The Chairman of Prudent Group, Abdul-Wasiu Sowami, said the last five years between Prudent Group and Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) has been a commitment to fulfill it’s obligation under the sponsorship agreement.
“This is a testament to our belief in our youths and sports development. Before our sponsorship five years ago, handball as a sport did not attract any significant corporate attention and support. I’m quite pleased to state that with the impact of our sponsorship and the proactiveness of HFN leadership, our athletes have excelled locally and internationally.
“We are delighted and proud that handball continues to develop and the athletes continue to succeed. We are delighted about the huge success achieved in the first phase held in Abuja earlier this year. We are committed to en misuring the growth and development of Handball in Nigeria,” he stated