Host state Delta got off to a flying start in the handball event at the ongoing 2025 National Youth Games in Asaba, as they recorded victories in the men and women categories respectively on Saturday.
Starting with the male team, Team Delta earned an emphatic 29–18 (13–08) victory over Kwara on Day 1 of competition as they dominated the encounter from start to finish, displaying sharp attacking play and resolute defending that left their Kwara counterparts struggling to keep pace.
In another male category match, Niger State also impressed with a 18–13 (09–05) victory over Bayelsa, rounding off a competitive opening day in the boys’ division.
Meanwhile, the female category produced thrilling battles, with Imo edging Kaduna 13–10 (04–06) in a tightly contested match as the hosts Delta, again, showed their strength on home soil with their girls outclassing Lagos 19–10 (09–03) to the delight of their supporters.
Elsewhere, Abia staged a late push to defeat Ondo 15–13 (05–05), while Adamawa and Edo settled for a dramatic 18–18 (08–09) draw in what was arguably the most closely fought encounter of the day.
2025 NYG HANDBALL
DAY 1 RESULTS:
FEMALE:
1) IMO vs KADUNA .13 – 10 (04-06)
2) DELTA Vs LAGOS .19 – 10 ( 09-03)
3) ONDO vs ABIA . 13 – 15 (05-05)
4) ADAMAWA vs EDO. 18 – 18 (08-09).
MALE:
1) NIGER vs BAYELSA . 18 – 13 (09 – 05).
2) DELTA vs KWARA. 29 – 18 (13-08).