By Amaechi Agbo

Abuja is the venue as 22 teams comprising 12 male and 10 female teams gather to battle for pride, superiority and money in the 2022 Prudent Energy Handball Premier League begin on Sunday.

Defending champions Kano Pillars of Kano, who are the winners of the male category and Safety Babes of Abuja who emerged victors of the female category will have it hot as they aim to defend their crowns.

Kano Pillars will have to overcome the hurdles possed by other 11 teams if they must excel in the first phase of the league which will commence from Sunday, May 22nd through Friday, June 3rd, 2022 in Abuja.

Kano Pillars will begin their defence with a high profile clash against Police Machine on Monday, 23rd May.

Findings indicate that other 11 teams in the male category have vowed to make life difficult for the defending champions.

Coach of Kogi Confluence Stars, Mr Emmanuel Shekwolo told Best Choice Sports in an exclusive interview that the Kogi side are coming to the league with only one target – to win the title.

Coach Shekwolo who was full of optimism said the Confluence Stars are gearing to win the league irrespective of who their opponents would be and warned that any team that takes them for granted, would do so at their peril

“Our target is to win the league this year.
I want to tell you that any team that takes us for granted, does so at their peril.”

On their part, the Safety Babes of Abuja will begin their campaign with a crunch match against Seasiders Babes of Lagos.

This match will have both revenge and prestige all over it as the Lagos Babes almost derailed the Safety Babes title ambition last season after they defeated the Abuja Babes 18-15 on October 24, in Lagos.

However, Coach Bala Mohammed told Best Choice Sports in a chat in Abuja that the Safety Babes are safe enough to defend their title.

“They are very, very ready and willing to defend the league. We have prepared at high intensity and now, the players are physically fit, mentally stable and financially okay to defend the league.”

The First Phase of the Prudent Energy Handball Premier League will run from May 23rd through June 3rd, 2022 at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Package B Abuja while the Second and final Phase will hold in October in Lagos.

Participating Teams For the Prudent Energy Handball Premier League 2021

Male Category

1. Benue Buffaloes of Markudi
2. Confluence Kings of Lokoja
3. De Defenders of Civil Defence
4. Kada Stars of Kaduna
5. Kano Pillars of Kano
6. Niger United of Minna
7. Owena Kings of Akure
8. Police Machine of the Nigeria Police
9. Rima Strikers of Sokoto
10. Safety Shooters of FRSC
11. Seasider Boys of Lagos
12. Tojemarine Academy of Lagos

Female Category

1. Adorable Angels of Ilorin
2. Benue Queens of Markudi
3. Defender Babes of Civil Defence
4. Edo Dynamos of Benin City
5. Imo Grasshoppers of Owerri
6. Kada Queens of Kaduna
7. Plateau Peacocks of Jos
8. Rima Queens of Sokoto
9. Safety Babes of FRSC
10.Seasider Babes of Lagos

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