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By Ohis Asein | faksmedia.com
The game of handball in Nigeria is experiencing a period of renewed ambition under the leadership of the President of the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN), Saidu Jibril Ojih, whose tenure in less than two years has already produced notable results on the continental and international scene.
A sports technocrat with a clear vision for the development of handball, Ojih continued to push for greater competitiveness, better facilities and stronger performances from Nigeria’s national teams.
Among the achievements recorded under his leadership was Nigeria’s sixth-place finish at the African Handball Nations Cup in Kigali, a performance which provided valuable continental exposure to the national team.
Nigeria was also successful in the IHF African Zone 3 competitions, winning both the U-20 and U-18 cadet titles, further demonstrating the growing strength of the country’s youth development program.
At senior women’s level, Nigeria finished third in the IHF Senior Women’s Zone 3 competition, while another major milestone came with the country’s qualification for the Junior World Cup in Macedonia.
For Ojih, however, these results are just the beginning.
The HFN president said his greatest ambition is to ensure that, before the end of his term, Nigeria becomes one of the leading handball nations in Africa and establishes itself as a respected force on the world stage.
He expressed optimism that with sustained investment, adequate development programs and support from stakeholders, Nigerian handball can achieve even greater international recognition.
Ojih also commended the National Sports Commission (NSC) for its efforts in creating an environment where handball and other sports can continue to grow within Nigeria’s sports ecosystem.
According to him, collaboration between HFN, NSC, athletes, coaches and other stakeholders remains essential to build a sustainable future for sport.
With youth teams winning continental titles, senior teams making their presence felt and Nigeria qualifying for a global junior competition, Ojih’s tenure is starting to provide a new narrative for Nigerian handball.
The HFN president believes that the ultimate goal is not simply to participate in international competitions, but to build teams that can compete with – and ultimately stand among – the best in Africa and around the world.
