2019 AAG Qualifiers: We are not under pressure – Nosa-Odia

Maccabi Holon of Israel player, Isoken Nosa-Odia has insisted that Nigeria female senior handball team is not under pressure to qualify for the 2019 All African Games in Morocco.

Nosa-Odia admitted that the 2019 AAG qualifiers in Burkina Faso will be tough, but is confident Nigeria will get through.

The former U21 player who is aiming to appear at her third AAG told www.aclsports.com that she is excited about making her return to the female national team.

The former Edo Dynamos player said, “I feel excited making the team to the 2019 All Africa Games qualifiers. It is actually not my first invitation but it is always a privilege to be called upon to represent my country”.

“There is no pressure on the team but we have to qualify for the 2019 All African Games. Every stage of the national teams are doing well, this is actually the senior team.

“Since the last All African Games, this is another opportunity for us to go for a championship and prove ourselves.  We have to qualify for the games proper in Morocco because our names and reputations are at stake”, she added.

The Edo born player revealed that playing professional handball outside Nigeria is the best thing to have happened in her career.

She said, “Playing outside the shores of Nigeria is interesting and actually the best. The best things that can happen to any player is to play professional in developed countries; everybody wishes to play outside.

“I am opportune to feature outside and in all ramifications; the condition of living, the facilities are standard. The game of handball is more advanced in Israel and other parts of the world but I believe Nigeria will get there soon with the kind of programmes happening under Samuel Ocheho’s administration”.

Nosa-Odia told www.aclsports.com of her professional career.

“I started my professional career in 2016 for Africa Sports D’Abijan of Cote D’Ivoire and played two seasons. I lifted the Cup game in 2016/17 and my last season with Africa Sports D’Abijan I won the National League Cup.

“I later joined Maccabi Holon of Israel last season we were not so fortunate we came out fifth in the league”, she said.