The head coach of Imo Grasshoppers, Stella Ndudi has died after a brief illness in Owerri, Imo state. Ndudi before her death was part of the U20 technical crew of the National Women Handball Team that participated at the 2019 IHF Challenge Trophy at Niamey, Niger Republic.
The President of Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN), Sam Ocheho said the handball family has lost a great icon and ex international.
Ocheho revealed that Late Ndudi was a woman who helped developed the sport amongst women in the grassroots.
He, on behalf of the federation, sympathise with the Nigeria Handball Coaches, Imo State Handball Association and her family.
He said, “The death of Stella Ndudi is a huge shock to the handball family. She is not only a coach but a player who was dedicated during her playing days. She was part of the team to win their 1st African Nations cup for Nigeria in 1991”.
The Technical Director of HFN, Ferdinand Emeana said he is in shock over the news of Late Stella Ndudi.
The former Imo Lions player said Late Ndudi had great plans to continue to propagate the good of handball at the grassroots level.
The HFN Secretary General, Haruna Maigidasanma described Late Ndudi as an astute professional per excellence who was dedicated to serving her nation.
“Stella was an important player in the national team that qualified for the 1992 Olympics Games in Barcelona, Spain after winning the 1991 Africa Women Handball Nations Cup in Egypt. She has been fantastic for the national team as a player and also as coach”.
Stella Ndudi, who died after a brief ailment, was an assistant director with Imo State Sports commission and the Chief Coach of Prudent Energy Handball Premier League side, Imo Grasshoppers.
As a player and captain, she led Grasshoppers to win several national and even international championships in the late 80s and 90s.
She was also consistent with the national team, helping the team to win their 1st African Nations cup for Nigeria in 1991 as they defeated Angola in Egypt and also qualified for the Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games.
