Confluence Stars and Confluence Queens of Kogi state have qualified for the semi-finals of the ongoing National Handball Division one league in Kaduna.
Confluence Stars topped their group with 10 points while Confluence Queens finished 1st with 6 points.
Confluence Stars will face stubborn Bayelsa United in the men’s semi-finals while Confluence Queens meets high flying Benue Queens in the women’s semi-finals on Thursday.
The assistant coach of the Kogi handball teams, Ayo Joshua told www.aclsports.com that his target is to qualify both teams for the 2020 Prudent Energy Handball League.
The former Cyprus College handball player disclosed that the matches will be tough but the Kogi teams will overcome.
Joshua said, “We have crossed the first hurdle which is qualifying for the Semi-finals of the Division one. The next step is to make it to the final and that automatically means we are in the Prudent Energy Handball League.
“If you look at the Prudent Energy Handball League, you will discover that players of Kogi origin are scattered across the various team. It is now time for the state teams to have representatives at the elite league.
“The boys are playing against Bayelsa Queens, do not forget in a hurry that Bayelsa beat Kwara Adorable Stars by 30-29 so they are not pushovers. We will approach the game with all seriousness and for the women’s match against Benue Queens, our girls will tame them from the blast of the whistle till the end of the game”.
He commended the state association chairman, Saidu Jubril for the tremendous support given to both teams.
The state chairman, Saidu Jubril charged the players go all out to win their semi-finals and eventually lift the trophy.
Jubril said, ‘I am here to support the teams and the only way you can compensate the state is to win your matches and qualify for the pro league.
“If you surprise me tomorrow (Wednesday), I will surprise you after the game. After we won the U18 early this year, the governor of the state, Yahaya Bello hosted them. If you want the governor to host us, you have to win the league on Thursday”.
