HFN Announces 2026 Handball Premier League And Innovative 4×4 Championship

The Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) has unveiled a packed calendar for 2026, headlined by the Premier League in Abuja and the introduction of a groundbreaking 4×4 Handball Championship in Makurdi, Benue State.

The Premier League, scheduled for August, will bring together Nigeria’s top clubs in the capital city, while the 4×4 Championship will run from June 16 to 19 in Makurdi. This new format is designed to add variety and excitement to the sport, offering fans a fresh spectacle and players a different competitive challenge.

HFN President Jibril Saidu Ojih described the initiatives as part of a broader strategy to reposition handball in Nigeria. He emphasized that the federation is determined to make the sport more appealing to athletes, fans, sponsors, and partners. “The Premier League and the 4×4 Championship are central to our vision of expanding handball’s reach and impact across the country,” Ojih said.

The domestic calendar also includes the North-Central Handball Championship in Lafia, Nasarawa State, from July 12 to 18. Together, these events reflect the federation’s commitment to spreading the game beyond its traditional strongholds and ensuring wider participation.

Ojih highlighted the innovative nature of the 4×4 format, calling it a bold step toward modernizing the sport’s presentation. He expressed confidence that the competitions will attract strong support from stakeholders and energize Nigeria’s handball community.

The federation expects clubs, players, and officials from across the country to participate, creating opportunities for talent development and fan engagement. With Abuja hosting the flagship Premier League and Makurdi introducing a new dimension to the game, 2026 is set to be a defining year for Nigerian handball.

HFN’s calendar signals a renewed push to elevate the sport’s profile nationally, positioning handball as a growing force in Nigeria’s sporting landscape.