Sports
Handball Federation Polls: Scramble for Places On the Board Intensifies As Zonal Elections Hold On Saturday
By: Chinedum Ohanusi
The outlook of the incoming Board of the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN), will become clearer after this weekends polls, that will produce the six zonal representatives, on Saturday.
Under the reign of the outgoing President, Mr. Samuel Ocheho the HFN was one of the few sports federations that managed to make appreciable impact, despite being deprived of government funding.
Election for the fifteen-member Board of the new HFN Board, began earlier in the month with the positions of Technical and Players representatives.
The elections held at the Velodrome, in Package A of the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja; were in strict compliance with the HFN rules and regulations, and guidelines of the National Sports Commission (NSC).
Former international head coach of the FRSC Safety Shooters, and Safety Babes, Bala Mohammed retained his place on the Board as Technical representative, by routing Kogi-based IHF/CHAB Referees Moses Balogun by 53-17.
The resounding victory, was a clear pointer as to the pendulum would be swinging to, as Bala is a strong ally of Jinrin Saidu who is looking to mount the saddle after losing the last election to Mr. Ocheeho by just a single vote.
The election for the post of players’ representative, was also a clean sweep for Talle Dada Aliyu, of Niger United Handball Club of Minna. Aliyu polled 27 votes to beat the incumbent, Joseph Update of NSCDC De Defenders HC, who got only 8 votes.
It is worthy of note that Udale’s election as players’ representative, four years ago was hotly contested, and it was later quashed by an Abuja High Court.
And although Mr. Sam Ocheeho is not contesting in this elections, the Banker is believed to be in support of another candidate for the Presidency, other than Mallam Jibrin.
Sports
PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon Earns World Athletics Label
Nigeria’s foremost Sports Company, Nilayo Sports Management Limited (NSML) has announced the second edition of the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon, set to light up Nigeria’s capital city on Saturday, December 6, 2025.
With the theme “Steady Strides,” this year’s race captures the measured rhythm and determined pace that define world-class long-distance running, a reflection of the steady progress and ambitious vision shaping the marathon’s evolution into a global platinum-labelled event.
In a historic milestone for Nigerian sports, the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon has been officially awarded the prestigious World Athletics Label for its second edition, a distinction achieved in record time. This remarkable feat makes it the first marathon globally to earn the label so swiftly, underscoring both the organizational excellence of NSML and the dynamic rise of PremiumTrust Bank, currently celebrated as Nigeria’s fastest-growing commercial bank.
The 2025 edition is expected to attract elite international athletes, top local runners, and marathon enthusiasts from around the world, alongside officials from World Athletics who will oversee the competition.
Speaking on the announcement, Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Yetunde Olopade, expressed excitement about the unique partnership with PremiumTrust Bank.
“This second edition is fundamentally unique because it represents the first-ever true super-partnership on such a dynamic sports property in our nation and arguably, globally. PremiumTrust Bank is not just a sponsor but the sole partner anchoring the establishment, organization, and consolidation of a global marathon in Nigeria’s capital city.
” We are proud and grateful for the bank’s visionary leadership, which not only recognized the immense potential of the first edition but is now single-handedly driving the race toward international acclaim.”
Managing Director of PremiumTrust Bank, Dr. Emmanuel Efe Emefienim (CON) emphasized the shared values underpinning the partnership.
“PremiumTrust Bank is built on the philosophy of rapid, impactful, and sustainable growth, and the theme of this year’s marathon perfectly reflects our operational ethos.”
“Attaining World Athletics Label status in just the second year validates that our investment is yielding world-class outcomes. We are deeply proud to be the sole partner building this monumental legacy, reinforcing our commitment to sports development, community wellbeing, excellence, and platforms where champions are made.”
The PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon 2025 promises to be a spectacular celebration of endurance, athleticism, and community spirit, further strengthening Abuja’s status on the global racing calendar.
Registration for participants is currently open as it promises to be another marathon spectacle on the 6th of December 2025.
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