President of Handball Federation of Nigeria, Sam Ocheho has expressed delight over the bronze medal won by the men’s handball team at the just concluded 13th African Games in Ghana.
Nigeria’s Golden Arrows defeated Benin Republic 38-20 to claim bronze in the handball third-place of the 13th edition of the African Games.
Ocheho told www.aclsports.com that the revived handball leagues in the country played a vital role in the remodelling of the players.
He revealed that the performance of the players has justified the inclusion of young players in the senior national team.
Ocheho who doubles as the President of Confederation of African Handball (CAHB) Zone 3 said, “I am happy the boys were able to win a bronze medal at the 13th African Games in Ghana. When we were going for the Games, the goal was to win any colour of medal; it gives me joy that the players made the country proud.
“The revived handball league is yielding positive fruit. Also the idea of bringing young players is beginning to bring results; the boys are getting matured at every competition. You can see Nigeria presented the youngest team in the African Games and a lot of people are giving us commendation because they see a great future ahead for Team Nigeria.
“I am glad and encouraged by their performances; it shows they are coming off age. We will keep preparing and try to dominate Africa and make sure they are top in Africa; we will not relent and focus on the boys”.
The HFN President said attention will be shifted to the 2024 Ardova Handball Premier League and other International age grade championships.
He said, “The federation has attended four international tournaments including the 13th African Games; we are just in March. Right now, our aim is to return to our Handover Premier League and the date has already been fixed for April 28 to May 11 in Benin City. That is going to be the main focus now and another area we will be focusing on is our women’s U-18 World Cup in China and we hope to get funding so that we can attend this tournament.”
“There is the junior Nations Cup for U19 and U20 still in August; that is another major competition Nigeria will also feature in the women’s nations cup; it is a loaded year but we will keep working to achieve our goal”.
