02 Handball Tournament Targets Grassroots Revival in Sokoto

Posted : 02 October 2026

The organisers of the 02 Handball Tournament have identified grassroots development and talent discovery as key objectives as the competition got underway in Sokoto State.

The tournament, hosted by Ahmad Aliyu Ahmad (Junior), began with an opening ceremony followed by two keenly contested men's matches, providing young players with an opportunity to showcase their abilities.

Barcelona started the competition on a winning note, edging Zamalek 17–15 in an entertaining encounter, while Madrid recorded a 9–6 victory over Arsenal in the second match of the day.

The opening ceremony attracted sports stakeholders, youth leaders and handball enthusiasts, including Hon. Kamaludeen Abubakar Leme (Jikan Sanata), Special Adviser to the Sokoto State Governor on Youth Matters.

Officials of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and the Director of Sports, Alhaji Abdulhakim Yakubu, were also present at the event.

Speaking on the initiative, the host said the tournament was conceived to rekindle interest in handball in Sokoto while providing a platform for young players to develop their skills through competitive action.

He said the competition would also promote wider youth participation in sports and expose promising players to opportunities that could lead to professional careers.

The host urged the participating athletes to approach the tournament with commitment and determination, stressing that sustained hard work remained essential to achieving their sporting ambitions.

“I want our young players to continue working hard until they reach the global stage, where they can build sustainable careers and use their talents to support themselves and their families,” he said.

The competition features six men's teams — Arsenal, Zamalek, Barcelona, Madrid, Lomza and Al-Nasr — while three women's teams, Divine Queens, Thunder Queens and Zanith Queens, are also competing for honours.

Next Fixtures

Men

Lomza vs Barcelona — 4:00 p.m.
Al-Nasr vs Arsenal — 5:00 p.m.

Women

- Zanith Queens vs Thunder Queens — 4:00 p.m.

As the competition progresses, the organisers are expected to use the tournament as a platform to sustain grassroots interest in handball and provide emerging players with valuable competitive experience.

02 Handball Tournament Targets Grassroots Revival in Sokoto

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