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By: Ebenezer Bajela
President, Handball Federation of Nigeria, Samuel Ocheho, has promised to build on the country’s success at the recently-concluded African Games in Ghana, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Nigeria’s Golden Arrows defeated Benin Republic 38-20 to claim bronze in the handball third-place of the 13th edition of the African Games.
Coach Rafiu Salami’s men’s podium finish was the country’s first since the Abuja 2003 Games and an elated Ocheho has promised not to relent in their effort.
“I am glad that the boys finally came out with a bronze because when we were going for the championship the goal was to win a medal, any colour of medal, and I am happy that we were able to win something,” the HFN president said.
“The league we started is beginning to yield fruit and the whole idea of bringing in youthful players is beginning to show results because the boys are getting mature every day. At the event, the average age of our team was the youngest and a lot of people are giving us commendation as they can see a great future ahead of the young boys.
“The plan now is to keep preparing and dominating in Africa. Our goal is to make sure that we are at the top in Africa and we will not relent until we achieve our goal.”
He added, “Right now, our aim is to return to our Handover Premier League and the date has already been fixed for April 28 to May 11 in Benin City. That is going to be the main focus now and another area we will be focusing on is our women’s U-18 World Cup in China and we hope to get funding so that we can attend this tournament.”
With their bronze medal feat in Ghana, Nigeria now have four handball medals in the African Games following their bronze medals in Cairo 91, Harare 95 and Abuja 2003.