Challenges facing Handball in Nigeria is no different from what is experienced in other sports. The sport has seen rapid growth since Sam Ocheho assumed office as the President of the Handball Federation of Nigeria.
More competitions have been introduced for all levels, title sponsor for the league and the youth national team qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 33 years.
Former Edo Dynamo left back, Sonia Idahosa enumerated challenges facing the sports and proffered solutions.
“Government not wanting to sponsor competitions and when they eventually sponsor, you don’t get to go home with anything, coaches lying and cheating players, coaches not respecting their athletes and using outdated knowledge of the game,” Idahosa told ACLSports.com
“I think a standard allowance fee should be written down that during and after a competition should be paid. If you can’t afford to pay your players, don’t take them to tournaments and any coach found wanting should be suspended from coaching the team,” she advised.
“Then Government should try and honour all sportsmen who represent the country and bring laurels back home. Let the reward be enticing and make athletes want to do more. Sport is a good platform of employment, let’s make use of it wisely,” she said.
The Cyprus International University fresher commended the Sam Ocheho-led Handball Federation for its efforts towards reviving the sports in Nigeria. She also encouraged more private companies to partner with the Federation.
