The 2025 edition of the Ardova Handball Premier League, Nigeria’s top-tier handball competition, is set to kick off on August 10, 2025, according to an announcement made by the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) earlier this week. The much-anticipated league, sponsored by Ardova Plc, promises another season of thrilling action, intense rivalries, and a platform for domestic talents to shine.
The announcement was made during a press briefing at the HFN Secretariat in Abuja, where federation officials confirmed that the first phase of the league will take place in Benin City, Edo State, while the second phase will conclude later in Lagos. The dual-city hosting model, which has become a staple of the competition, is designed to promote handball across different regions of the country and attract a wider fan base.
HFN President, Samuel Ocheho, emphasized the significance of the Ardova Handball Premier League in developing the sport and grooming talents for international representation. “This league continues to be the bedrock of Nigeria’s handball structure. The level of competition, the passion of the teams, and the support from Ardova Plc have helped reposition the sport positively,” Ocheho said. “We are excited about the 2025 edition and believe it will surpass the high standards already set in previous years.”
Ardova Plc, a major energy firm in Nigeria, took over the title sponsorship of the league in 2021, a move that has since injected new life into handball in the country. With significant financial backing and organizational improvements, the league has grown in stature, attracting better media coverage, improved facilities, and more fan engagement. The partnership has also included grassroots development programs, youth handball clinics, and community outreach efforts.
Twelve male and ten female teams are expected to participate in this year’s league. Familiar names such as Kano Pillars, Safety Shooters, Niger United, and Lagos Seasiders will battle for supremacy in the men’s division, while the women’s division will see strong contenders like Imo Grasshoppers, Defender Babes, Edo Dynamos, and Bayelsa Queens vying for the top prize.
The format remains a round-robin system, where all teams play each other across both phases of the competition. Points are accumulated over the course of the two phases, and the team with the highest total in each category will be crowned champion. Relegation and promotion from the lower division, the National Division One Handball League, also add an edge to the bottom half of the table.
The first phase in Benin City will run from August 10 to August 22, during which teams will play at least eight to nine games. The second phase, which finalizes the season, will be held in Lagos from October 5 to October 17, allowing for a brief break between phases for rest, training, and squad adjustments.
This year, the HFN has pledged to enhance officiating standards, with upgraded referee training and the introduction of technology to monitor in-game decisions. This move is aimed at improving transparency and fairness, addressing past complaints from teams and fans alike.
Preparations are already in full gear. Teams have begun preseason training and recruitment to strengthen their squads. Notably, Kano Pillars have acquired two players from Ghana to bolster their attack, while the Defender Babes recently held a high-altitude training camp in Jos, Plateau State, to improve endurance.
In terms of fan engagement, HFN has collaborated with a media partner to provide live-streaming options and game-day highlights on social media. Spectators will also be welcomed into the venues, with COVID-19 restrictions no longer in force and security measures being put in place.
The 2024 season ended on a high note, with Safety Shooters narrowly clinching the title from rivals Kano Pillars in one of the most dramatic final-day showdowns in league history. Fans are expecting similar drama this year as competition stiffens and the quality of play continues to rise.
While Ardova’s continued sponsorship has stabilized the financial side of the league, there are still challenges—chief among them being the need for more consistent grassroots structures and the development of indoor arenas to meet international standards. Nonetheless, with momentum on its side, the 2025 Ardova Handball Premier League promises another leap forward for the sport in Nigeria.
With the commencement date now confirmed, all eyes turn to August, when whistles will blow, and the chase for handball glory begins once again. For players, coaches, fans, and sponsors alike, the countdown to Nigeria’s premier handball spectacl
e is officially underway.
