By Amaechi Agbo
Former Nigeria senior men’s handball captain and ex-international, Lawrence Ekele, popularly known as “Akara,” has donated eight handballs to the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) in support of the continued development of the sport in the country.
Ekele, who also represented Benue Buffaloes during his active playing days in Nigeria Handball Premier League, made the donation during a training match between the National Senior Women’s Handball Team and the National Under-18 Boys’ Team currently in camp.
Speaking during the presentation, the London-based former international expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded by Nigerian handball in recent years, particularly the renewed focus on grassroots and youth development.
“I feel so happy because the federation is doing well right now. They started very well by going to the grassroots and focusing on underage competitions, which is something very desirable,” Ekele said.
He explained that his decision to support the federation was driven by his desire to contribute to the growth of the sport that gave him an opportunity to represent Nigeria.
“I felt I should give my own contribution towards the development of handball. As the federation focuses on grassroots development, I felt it would be nice to also give all my input in whatever way I can to help the federation achieve its goals,” he added.
Ekele also acknowledged the efforts of the former HFN President, Samuel Ocheho, in reviving handball competitions in Nigeria after years of inactivity, while commending the current President, Mr. Jibril Saidu Ojih, for building on that foundation.
“Handball, after our time, went through a lot of problems and for almost a decade there was no competition. But thank God, there was a new president who came in, Samuel Ocheho, who brought the game back into the limelight once more.
“Now, the standard is there, and there is a new president who is also trying to improve on the legacy that Sam has left behind and the current President, Mr. Jibri Saidu Ojih (FNIQS) for continuing with the success story.
“So, we all have to come to support the Federation to ensure that handball develops and continues to develop, rather than going backwards.”
President of the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) Mr. Jibril Saidu Ojih (FNIQS) thanked Ekele for his support and praised him for his initiative.
He also called on former players, stakeholders and handball enthusiasts to unite behind the federation and contribute towards achieving its development objectives.
The balls donated by Ekele were delivered to the teams in camp through the HFN President, Mr. Jibril while Mr. Abdulhakim Yakubu, the Northwest Zonal representative of the Handball Federation of Nigeria, supported the Federation with modern training equipment as well.
Ojih also acknowledged other individuals who have contributed to the ongoing national teams camping in Abuja, Nigeria
The federation expressed appreciation to all the contributors for their support, noting that such interventions from former players, individuals and stakeholders are important to the welfare of the players and the continued growth of handball in Nigeria.
The clinic, themed “Triple Threats,” focused on strengthening coaches’ knowledge and improving their capacity to develop young players.
Addressing participants, Abubakar emphasised the need for coaches to continually improve their knowledge of the game, study modern basketball techniques and remain open to new ideas.
He noted that coaching requires dedication, patience, sacrifice and consistency, adding that young players need coaches who believe in them, encourage them, correct them and remain committed to their development.
Participants were trained on the three areas of the Triple Threat, coach-coach and coach-player relationships, education and basketball, as well as training templates for coaches.
The Head Coach of the Gombe State Basketball Association, Haruna Kabiru, and other guests commended the ABA for organising the clinic, describing coaches as teachers, mentors, leaders, role models, motivators and builders of character.
The participating coaches expressed appreciation to the ABA for the opportunity and pledged to apply the knowledge gained in their respective academies.
The clinic also formed part of preparations for the maiden Amateur Basketball Academies Championship, where state champions and runners-up in both the male and female categories will represent their states at the national championship in Abuja.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
