Sixteen players have been selected to represent the Adamawa State handball team in the Premier League.
The Adamawa handball team, registered under the name Adamawa Warriors, qualified for the Premier League for the first time after their success in the nationwide open championship held in 2023.
Addressing the Adamawa Warriors Handball Team before their departure for the Premier League, Commissioner of Youth and Sports Barrister Wali Yakubu thanked the administration of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for supporting youth participation in sporting activities.
He acknowledged Adamawa's abundance of talent and encouraged the players to give their best in the competition. The Commissioner also urged players who did not make the final 16 to persevere, assuring them of a place in future teams if they maintain their dedication to the sport.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mr Fabian Wambai, emphasised the importance of Adamawa Warriors' participation in the competition and reassured the team of continued maximum support from the ministry.
The Acting Director of the Adamawa Sports Council, Daniel Ahmed, revealed that the Adamawa Warriors would be accompanied by an experienced technical crew to the tournament.
He also commended the Commissioner of Youth and Sports for the ongoing support provided to the Sports Council.
Speaking on behalf of the Adamawa Warriors Handball Team, the team Captain, Edison Sanuyati expressed his gratitude to the state government and the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Despite being first-time competitors, he assured everyone of their commitment to doing their best and bringing honour to the state.
Earlier, the Chief Coach of the Adamawa Warriors, Ogidi Thompson, announced that the tournament would be held in Benin City, Edo State, from 11th to 25th May 2024.
He explained that teams qualifying for the Premier League are scheduled to arrive on 11th May, with team registration taking place on the 12th. Matches are set to commence on the 13th.
Coach Thompson further revealed that the Adamawa Warriors' first match would be against Toji Marines of Lagos on 13th May at 9:30 am.
He highlighted the team's intensive two-week training camp in the state capital, the first of its kind for an Adamawa handball team in recent years.
To motivate the players for the competition, their allowances were paid in advance before their departure to Benin City. This gesture served as a morale booster, with the players applauding the efforts of the Adamawa State Sports Council.
The players departed for the Premier League on Friday, 10th May 2024.