Abia State’s women’s handball side, the Valiants, claimed first place at the National Division One South-East Zonal Eliminations in Nsukka, Enugu State, after edging Coal City Queens 15-13 in their decisive final fixture.
Quick facts
- Abia Valiants beat Coal City Queens 15-13 to win the women’s zonal title.
- Coal City Queens finished second in a two-team women’s field.
- Enugu Coal Kings defeated Imo Lions 24-22 to lead the men’s standings.
- Imo Lions also qualified after three other teams from the zone did not appear.
- The qualifying teams will contest the National Division One Championship in Abuja later this year.
The Valiants took the women’s crown, while Coal City Queens were runners-up as the only other side entered in the category.
In the men’s competition, Enugu Coal Kings secured top position by beating Imo Lions 24-22. Imo nevertheless booked the other available qualifying berth after three zonal entrants failed to report for the event.
Abia’s women and men will now head to Abuja for the National Division One Championship later this year. The state’s male team had gained promotion last year after placing second in Umuahia.
Competition officials congratulated the teams that progressed and challenged them to raise their standards for the national tournament.
Abia State Director of Sports Comrade Obioma George attended the closing ceremony and said he was pleased with the Valiants’ display and the smooth staging of the eliminations.
George also praised the Abia State government’s support for sporting development under Governor Dr. Alex Otti. He highlighted the work being carried out through the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, headed by Commissioner Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba.
Having completed their zonal assignment with the title, the Valiants will face a tougher challenge in Abuja, where teams from around Nigeria will compete for national honours.
