Over 80 secondary schools are currently lighting up the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Centre in Yaba as the 2025 edition of the Opeifa Handball Cup gets underway, bringing together some of the most promising young talents in Lagos.
The annual tournament, which began seven years ago, continues to serve as a major breeding ground for the next generation of handball stars. According to the event’s founder and sponsor, Mrs. Adeola Opeifa — a former chairperson of the Lagos State Handball Association — the competition has become a vital platform for talent discovery and youth mentorship across the state.
“This initiative has gone beyond just playing handball,” Opeifa said. “It has reshaped lives. Some of these players were once off the school track, but through this programme, they found purpose again. Today, many of them have gone on to represent Nigeria at both junior and senior levels.”
She explained that this year’s edition is particularly focused on identifying players who will represent Lagos at the upcoming National Youth Games. Selected talents will receive further intensive training to prepare them for future national competitions.
“We had anticipated 20 teams from each of the six education districts, and we’re thrilled to have 82 schools — both junior and senior categories — participating this year,” Opeifa added.
Coach Daniel Yohanna, one of the technical coordinators, praised the high level of play displayed by the students, describing their performance as “proof that the future of handball in Lagos is bright.”
Among the participating schools are Igbobi, Ransome Kuti, Ikeja, Herbert Macaulay, Whitesand, Vetland, Gaskiya, Aje, and Eletu, all competing fiercely for the trophy.
The 2025 Opeifa Handball Championship tipped off on October 27 and will wrap up on Friday, October 31, with the finals expected to draw a lively crowd of students, coaches, and sports enthusiasts from across the state.
