Former Nigeria U21 player, Ibrahim Owolabi has joined HaDjija Handball Club of Benin Republic on a six-month renewable deal from Lagos Seasiders.
In an exclusive interview with www.aclsports.com, Owolabi Ibrahim revealed the move will help him rediscover himself after playing handball in Nigeria league for four years
Owolabi believes he can help his club make an impact in the Benin Handball top flight league and the African Handball Club Championships.
He said, “I am happy to join my fellow compatriot; Hakeem Salami in HaDjijia HC. This moves means a lot to me because I want to rediscover myself away from my comfort zone. I have been playing in the Nigeria Handball League since it was revived under the President of Handball Federation of Nigeria, Sam Ocheho and I believe I am ripe to play outside the country.
“The move to Benin Republic is not to increase the number of handball players there but to make a meaningful impact in the club. I want to ensure the club finishes top three and make it to the African Club Championship; this is my dream for 2022.”
He said the representing Nigeria at the 2019 IHF World Championship in Spain was the turnaround of his life adding that he hopes to get a call for the African Senior Championship coming up later this year.
The Left-Back player said, “The major turnaround in my handball career was when I represented Nigeria at the IHF World Championship in Spain; it reshaped my orientation about the game of handball and I saw I had a future in the game.
“I will play with all my heart when the 2021/22 season resumes in Benin Republic because I want to represent Nigeria at the 25th African Men’s Senior Nations Cup in July”, he told www.aclsports.com
