Head coach of Rima Strikers, AbdulHakim Yakubu, has expressed his immense pride and excitement after his teams achieved outstanding results at the 2024 Ardova Handball Premier League.
In the men’s category, Rima Strikers secured an impressive second place, while the Rima Queens placed third in the women’s category, defying expectations and making history with their remarkable performances.
Yakubu shared his feelings on the teams’ success, saying, “My feeling is something that can’t be estimated because nobody expected it. Given our previous performances, this achievement is truly extraordinary, and I am beyond excited.”
When asked about the key factors that contributed to this success, Yakubu highlighted the dedication and discipline of his players.
“The main reason for our success is the players’ commitment, focus, and sacrifice during training. Despite facing challenges such as training during a construction period, the team remained dedicated and continued to put in the hard work,” he explained.
He also pointed out the rise of young female talent, noting that many of Rima Queens’ players have been consistently called up for national junior teams. This, according to Yakubu, shows the high potential and development of the squad.
Reflecting on the broader impact of the team’s performance, Yakubu noted the importance of the support provided by the current administration.
“In the past, Governor Aminu Tambuwal spent huge resources on the formation of Rima Strikers and Rima Queens, sponsored National U12/15 Championship giving us a solid foundation. The present governor, Ahmad Aliyu continued from the previous administration pumping funds into the team and you can see the results. This success is due to the commitment of the players, coaches, and officials who are all fully invested in the team’s success.”
