By Amaechi Agbo
The International Handball Federation (IHF) License D Coaching Course, jointly organized by the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN), the Confederation of African Handball (CAHB), and the International Handball Federation, concluded successfully on Sunday in Abuja.
The week-long coaching development programme featured 14 Nigerian coaches; six of whom were women, a milestone that reflects growing gender inclusion in the sport’s technical landscape.
The course was conducted by IHF Instructor Mr. William De Almeida from Angola and the sessions covered modern coaching techniques, player development principles, and team-building strategies.
All 14 participating coaches successfully passed the course and have now been certified by the IHF.
President of the Handball Federation of Nigeria, Mr. Samuel Ocheho, underscored the importance of the course in enhancing local coaching standards and expanding technical knowledge at the grassroots level.
“This course is a major step forward in our continuous drive to improve the quality of coaching in Nigeria,” Ocheho said.
“We are particularly pleased with the participation of six female coaches, which shows that our efforts to be inclusive and broaden the base of handball development are yielding results.”
Ocheho also expressed optimism that the knowledge gained from the training will trickle down to the grassroots and contribute positively to the long-term development of handball in Nigeria.
Mallam Husseini Mohammed, an executive board member of the Handball Federation of Nigeria representing the North-East Zone and Chairman of the Course Organizing Committee (COC), expressed his gratitude to the leadership of the federation and other key contributors.
“I want to thank the President and board members of HFN for bringing this course to Nigeria because it serves as vital capacity building for our coaches,” he said.
“Special thanks to the Director General of the National Sports Commission, who was ably represented at the closing ceremony by Alhaji Haruna Maigidansanma, for providing the facilities where the course was conducted.”
He further acknowledged the role of the HFN Secretary General Mrs Monica Otumala and the secretariat staff for their unwavering support throughout the course.
Special recognition was also given to the Spanish-English translator, Mrs. Abigail, who ensured smooth communication throughout the sessions.
As the curtain falls on the IHF License D Coaching Course in Abuja, the Handball Federation of Nigeria celebrates another landmark in its mission to build capacity, raise coaching standards, and promote handball excellence nationwide.
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