… Calls for stronger financial backing
The coach of Niger United Handball Club, Yekini Adebayo has attributed the decline in his team’s performance to the depletion of his squad following their triumph in the 2023 Ardova Premier League.
Niger United finished in third place in the 2024 Ardova Handball Premier League, a drop from their previous victory.
Adebayo explained that the departure of several key players from his title-winning side was a significant factor in the team’s performance decline.
“Eight players from our league winning team left the club this year due to better offers from other clubs “Two of them are now playing professional handball outside Nigeria, which shows the kind of opportunities we are losing”, Adebayo told www.aclsports.com
The coach stressed the need for stronger financial backing if Niger United hopes to retain some of its best players in the future.
“Niger United needs strong financial support to stay competitive and retain top talent. Without this, it will be difficult to keep our best players or even attract new ones,” he said.
Adebayo also took time to commend the efforts Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago for bankrolling the team to the second phase of this year’s league.
“I would like to thank Governor Umaru Bago for funding the second phase of the league. His contribution has been crucial for the league’s continuity,” he said.
Additionally, he applauded the leadership within the club. “I must commend the Chairman of Niger United HC; Barrister Mohammed Saliu, and the first Vice Chairman, Danjuma Matsu, for their unwavering support. They have been instrumental in bankrolling and sponsoring the club, especially during the past three seasons when external support was lacking.”
Looking ahead, Adebayo made an important appeal to Governor Umaru Bago to provide proper funding the most consistent sports association in the state.
“I urge Governor Bago to consider approving a monthly subvention for Niger United Handball Club. This would help us retain our key players and also discover new handball talents in the state. Niger United remains the only elite handball club in Nigeria that doesn’t poach big players, and we want to continue growing homegrown talent.”
