Abia Valiants Seal Zonal Title, Target National Division One Glory
Pecohub The Abia State female handball team (Valiants) secured top spot at the National Division One Southeast Zonal Eliminations in Nsukka, Enugu State, following a 15–13 victory over Coal City Queens in their final match.
The Valiants finished as champions of the female category, with Coal City Queens taking second place as the only two female participants. In the male division, Enugu Coal Kings defeated Imo Lions 24–22 to finish top, with Imo securing the second qualification spot after three other zonal teams failed to turn up.
Both the female Valiants and their male counterparts who earned promotion last year after finishing second in Umuahia, now advance to the National Division One Championship in Abuja later this year.
Zonal organizers praised the qualifying teams and urged them to elevate their game for the national stage.
Abia State Director of Sports, Comrade Obioma George, who was present at the closing ceremony, expressed delight at the Valiants’ performance and the successful conduct of the competition.
He also commended the commitment of the Abia State government, under the leadership of Governor Dr. Alex Otti, to the revitalisation and support for sports across the state through the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, led by Commissioner Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba.
With their zonal campaign concluded on a winning note, the Valiants now face a bigger test in Abuja, where they will compete against the best teams from across the country for national honours.
