Nigerian handball referee Ibrahim Emiabata-Lawal has expressed his immense gratitude and excitement following the Confederation of African Handball (CAHB) recent appointment of him as a match delegate.
The course took place in October in Casablanca, Morocco, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Despite his long-standing desire to obtain a referee badge from CAHB, he faced age restrictions that made him ineligible.
However, fortune smiled upon him when he was nominated for the match delegate course by the Handball Federation of Nigeria, alongside ten other candidates.
“I am very grateful and happy to be a match delegate.
“Four Nigerians were disqualified due to their age, but the remaining six of us submitted our CVs to the CAHB headquarters in Côte d’Ivoire. By the grace of Almighty Allah, I was fortunate to be nominated as the only Nigerian to attend the course in Morocco. It wasn’t easy, but Alhamdulillah, I went, I saw, and I conquered,” he shared.
Beyond his achievements, Ibrahim is eager to contribute to the growth of handball in Nigeria.
“This is my hobby. I would love to organise a refereeing course for those interested in learning about handball refereeing. I am always ready to assist,” he added.
Ibrahim also acknowledged the tremendous support he received during his journey.
“I am deeply thankful for the financial and humanitarian assistance I received. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Sam Ocheho, the President of the Handball Federation of Nigeria. He stood by me during my struggles to ensure I could attend the course. I bless the day I met him and pray that Almighty Allah fulfils all his heart’s desires,” he said.
He extended his appreciation to several individuals who played pivotal roles in his success.
“I would also like to thank Alhaji Muhammed Hussaini, Manuel Deipiriye, and my esteemed PRC Chairman, Chief Moses Balogun. Their support was invaluable, and I pray that Almighty Allah blesses and rewards them abundantly.”
With his recent accomplishment, Ibrahim Emiabata proudly represents Nigeria as a match delegate in CAHB, further solidifying the country’s presence in the world of handball.
