NAF team wins 2025 Division One League championship

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) men’s handball team has claimed the title of champions in the 2025 National Handball Division One League held in Umuahia, Abia State, earning a spot in the prestigious Nigerian Handball Premier League.

As stated in a statement from NAF’s account on X, the team competed in eight matches, achieving victory in seven of them.

Their determination was particularly evident in the semi-final match against Bayelsa, where they overcame a halftime deficit to secure a 21–18 victory, ultimately clinching their first championship in the final.

The statement says, “The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) male handball team has soared to victory, emerging champions of the 2025 National Handball Division One League held in Umuahia, Abia State. In an impressive display of skill and resilience, the NAF team played 8 matches, winning 7, a remarkable performance that secured their promotion to the elite Nigerian Handball Premier League. Their fighting spirit shone brightest in the semi-finals, where they overturned a halftime deficit to defeat Bayelsa 21–18, before sealing a historic maiden triumph in the final.

“This victory reflects the players’ dedication, discipline, and teamwork, made possible by the unwavering support of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar. His sustained commitment to sports development within the NAF has fostered an enabling environment for excellence. Speaking on behalf of the CAS, the Chief of Administration, Air Vice Marshal Idi Sani, commended the team and praised Group Captain Ademide Adeyeye, Director of Sports and Physical Education, for their outstanding performance. He further underscored the CAS’s priority on improving the physical fitness of personnel, highlighting ongoing efforts to expand and upgrade sporting facilities across NAF units.

“The NAF’s success in Umuahia underscores the NAF’s broader commitment to personnel welfare, physical fitness, and professional excellence. This maiden handball title is a proud moment for the Nigerian Air Force, reflecting on the vision of developing well-rounded personnel capable of distinction in service and sport alike. Congratulations to the NAF Male Handball Team for flying the flag high and for earning a deserved place among Nigeria’s sporting elite.”