Agboola Shittu said TojeMarine Academy is a top class team and can compete favourably with other teams in the continent. TojeMarine Academy finished second position at the 2023 Ardova Handall Premier League in Lagos.
Shittu told www.aclsports.com that returning from a three year break to guide the team to its best performance since its creation means a lot.
He explained that his first job was trying to change the team philosophy and values expected of a top class team.
The 2003 All African Games bronze medallist said, “I was so happy, it was a good outing. This was a big task for me, since the team is a young team and middle of the table team.
“I am elated about our position considering that I left the handball scene in 2020 for personal reasons and coming back in 2023, I finished on the podium. Secondly, since the inception of the league I have always been hovering among the top 3 teams”.
“My first job was trying to change the team philosophy and values expected of a top class team. It was difficult and we are still working on it. Secondly, I had to change the styles of play, team efforts and purposefulness in the team. All these ensure we are able to compete well at the top level”.
“The team is work-in-progress and yet to maximise their full potentials and we are not resting on our oars. Every top class coach is always under pressure to be at the top or avoid relegation. When we started we had a target which is top four in the league.
“The management of the team also believes in our ability and hence we were not under immense pleasure.
“TojeMarine Academy is not promising anything as usual but we are going to thrill our fans to exciting handball games. Hopefully, the team will be able to add up 3 or 4 players to the team, to give room for options in the coming season”.
The head coach of Nigeria U18 Girls team explained that 2023 has been eventful and historical in Nigeria’s handball.
He said, “The year was an eventful one and a good comeback story. In the National U18 team we were able to bring Nigeria handball back to international limelight with our successes and qualifications for the IHF World Cup/Intercontinental Trophy”.
