Former Nigeria handball player, Victoria Umunnah told aclsports.com that Topline Sparrows Handball Club of Maiduguri gave her the opportunity to feature prominently at the international scene.
Umunnah who is the current Secretary of Abia State Handball Association said she was part of the pioneer members of the Maiduguri based club.
She said, “I started my career with Topline Sparrows of Maiduguri and I was part of the first set of players in 1985 to play the league with them. I played for Nigeria in the U12, 15, 17 and 20 while playing for Topline Sparrows”.
Umunnah disclosed that she was fortunate to be part of the first set of female players to attend the Olympics.
The Olympian said after featuring at the Barcelona Olympics, she found her way to the senior national team
“I am proud to say that during my playing days, I attended several Nations Cup, Commonwealth Games and most importantly the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain. I was very excited when Justina Akpulo (assistant coach of Imo grasshoppers), MaryJane Azubuiki (veteran player of Abia Valliants) and Mary Nwachuku (coach of Abia Valliants) and I all met at the Prudent Energy Handball League after a very long time.
“After playing at the Olympics, I was fortunate to play in the senior national team from 1992 to 1997, still with Topline Sparrow. I moved to Abia Valliants from Topline Sparrows in 1997 and played for three years. During my short stay with Abia Valliants, I played for Maccabi Kriyashant Handball Club of Israel in the 1998/99 season.
Immediately I finished the 2000 season I proceeded to Abia State University where I studied Public Administration and by the grace of God, I am the Secretary of Abia State Handball Association”, she said.
Umunnah stated that she nurtures the dream of becoming the Chairman of Abia State Handball Association due to her vast experience in the sport.
