The Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) has officially announced that the 2025 National Division One Handball League will take place in Umuahia, Abia State, from August 7 to August 18, 2025.

In a statement released by the HFN Secretary General, Mrs. Monica Otumala, the competition—regarded as the gateway into the elite Ardova Handball Premier League—will bring together aspiring top-tier teams from across the country in a high-stakes battle for promotion.

According to Otumala, the technical meeting involving all team officials and contingents will be held on August 7, with matches commencing on August 8. She urged all participating teams to commence registration immediately, stressing that the window for documentary registration will close on July 31, 2025, while definitive registration must be submitted before or during the technical meeting.

“The Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) is pleased to inform you that the 2025 National Division One Handball League will take place from 7th–18th August, 2025, in Umuahia, Abia State,” Otumala stated.

“All participating teams should note that documentary registration of players shall be completed on or before 31st July, 2025, and all definitive registration must be submitted to the HFN at least before or during the Technical Meeting on 7th August, 2025.”

The National Division One League is the second-tier handball competition in Nigeria, serving as a promotional platform into the Ardova Handball Premier League, the country’s top-flight handball league. A total of four teams—two from the men’s category and two from the women’s division—will earn promotion to the premier league at the conclusion of the tournament.

This year’s edition promises heightened competition as clubs look to emulate the success of COAS Shooters and Soof Omo Ogiefo, the defending champions from the last edition. Both teams secured promotion after their triumph and have since been impressive in the premier league, showcasing the strength of talent in Division One.

Hosting the league in Umuahia also reflects HFN’s ongoing efforts to spread the sport across all regions of the country, promoting grassroots development and boosting local sports tourism.

With the August showdown fast approaching, fans, scouts, and club owners will be keeping a close eye on Nigeria’s next generation of handball talent—many of whom will be battling for a chance to shine on the biggest national stage.