Head coach of Nigeria Senior Men’s Handball Team, Rafiu Salami told www.aclsports.com that the country will benefit more from his IHF A coaching Licence.
Rafiu Salami was awarded an IHF A Licence after successfully passing the IHF Coaching Course held in Cairo, Egypt from 22nd to 29th October 2024.
Salami revealed that Nigeria was on the verge of missing out on the 2024 African Men’s Nations Cup last January due to the country’s inability to register an IHF A Licensed coach.
He added that Nigeria has four IHF B Licence coaches.
The Ex-International said, “The IHF A Licence is a good development for Nigeria handball and myself. I know it is great for the country to have an IHF A coach because what happened to the senior national team at the African Nations Cup will not repeat itself.
“Nigeria had to secure the services of a coach from our neighbouring country to fill in the position. I hope I will be available to assist my country and avoid sanctions.
“We had four of us in B License, they chose one using their parameters. I am happy we have a Licence A coach; the issue is no longer there but I wish we had more Nigerians. Handball changes every day; we learn new things daily. Modern techniques were taught during the course and it will help develop certain aspects of the game. I am sure Nigeria’s handball will benefit from what I have acquired”.
The former Niger United player revealed that the country possesses a young generation of talented players capable of making history.
He said the national team needs to embark on foreign tours and play international friendlies before major championships.
“Since I came to the senior national team, I have been trying my best to change the fortunes of handball in the country. Four years ago, Nigeria finished in the last position at the African Nations Cup, and the team moved up with time lifting the President’s Cup this year.
“The only thing that interests me is that we have a young generation of talented players who will play better handball with time. What I will plead with the Federation and National Sports Commission is exposure; we cannot do anything camping in a particular place for three to five months without playing stronger countries before embarking on the International Championships.”, he told www.aclsports.com
“Secondly, the Federation should find ways of securing European clubs for these players. I will not dispute the fact that the Egyptians are playing very well but most of them are playing in bigger clubs in Europe.
“When they participate in major championships, they know how to handle matches/competitions. Handball is improving but we need to work hard to make it breakeven; with time we will get their focus and work together as a team.
“If we cannot implement good ideas for the players, there is nothing we can do to succeed. Let us plan ahead and in years to come, we will return to the good days where we paraded some of the feared players in Africa”, he added.
34 coaches participated in the IHF Coaching Course with 25 coaches passing
