By Amaechi Agbo
Abuja-based handball club and debutants in the ongoing 3rd edition of North-Central Handball Championship, Poverty Fighters on Monday morning showed gallantry and stoicism as they lost narrowly to Prudent Energy Handball Premier League side, Niger United on Minna, Niger State
In a match watched by a handful of spectators and officials in Makurdi, Benue State, the Poverty Fighters lost the grip of the game, out of respect though, in the first period with a score of 17-10.
However, the Fighters grew in strength and resurgency in the second period to the dismay of their established opponents.
Through determination and classis tactical manoeuvring, the Fighters clawed back into the match with mesmerizing display.
From 17-10 down in the first period, they narrowed the scoreline to 29-27 in the final whistle to the utmost relief of the Minna based opponents.
In his post match reaction, Coach Abdullahi Jibrin said the result was disappointing but added that Niger United’s experience came handy in the latter stage of the game
“It was a disappointing result for us. The boys deserve a draw in this match but our opponents hand the upper hand in the closing stages due to experience.
“We keep growing along in the competition and will continue to push ahead,’ he said.
The Abuja boys ha e this recorded a draw, win and a loss in their there games so far. They drew against Benue Buffaloes, won Nasarawa Ambassador 30-21 before their narrow defeat on Monday.
Poverty Fighters will continue their fairy-tale show at the ongoing 3rd edition of the North-Central Handball Championship on Tuesday with a clash against Plateau Vipers by 7:30am
Meanwhile, the Managing Director, Poverty Fighters Handball Club, Abuja, Motivator Suleiman Yunusa has lauded the team’s performance at the ongoing championship in Makurdi, Benue State.
The club, established in January 2022, made their official competitive debut on Saturday when they took on Prudent Energy Handball Premier League side, Benue Buffaloes in the opening match of the championship.
Although they drew the match 20-20, they defeated Nasarawa Ambassador 30-21 on Tuesday and narrowly lost 29-27 against another Premier League side, Niger United.
The team’s performances have cut the attentions of the stakeholders in the tournament with many believing that the club is established for future greatness.
In an interview in Abuja on Monday, Motivator Suleiman Yunusa said he was not surprised with the attitude and performances of the players adding that the club is established to bring a new face to handball
“I want to first and foremost commend the players and technical crew for the great job they are doing there in the competition. I watched their matches on the tournament’s Facebook Page and I am very much impressed.
“Poverty Fighters Handball Club is established to change the face of handball in the country. We registered our entrance into the competition late but the players and technical crew have justified that our participation worths the sacrifices,” he said.
The Poverty Fighters will take on Plateau Vipers in matchday 4 on Tuesday.
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