The President of the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN), Jibril Saidu Ojih, has commended the remarkable growth and renewed energy in handball activities across the South East region.
Ojih, who was recently elected as the new HFN President, also serves as the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Handball Association and the North-Central Zonal Representative on the HFN Board.
He defeated John Oris, the South-South Zonal Representative, by 9–5 votes in the federation’s presidential election.
Speaking on Friday during the closing ceremony of the 3rd edition of the South East U-15 Handball Championship, his first official outing as HFN President, Ojih lauded the quality of organization, talent, and commitment displayed throughout the tournament.
The event, held from October, Tuesday 28 to Friday 31, 2025, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, was organized by the Handball Legends in collaboration with the HFN South East Zonal President, Onyebuchi Emmanuel Asogwa.
According to Ojih, the initiative aligns perfectly with his administration’s vision to promote grassroots participation and nurture future handball stars.
“The South East has come back to life. I am surprised and impressed with what I’ve seen on the ground — the talents, the coordination, and the enthusiasm. This is beautiful,” he said.
He further applauded the South East Zonal President for transforming the face of handball in the region, urging him to sustain the momentum.
“You have the passion and capacity. Keep doing your best. You’ve stood by me, and I’m sure you will continue to grow handball in the South East,” Ojih added.
The HFN boss also encouraged state coordinators and veteran players to form a legends’ team, noting that such collaboration would inspire younger athletes.
On the responsibilities of coaches, Ojih cautioned against the trend of transferring or borrowing underaged players between states, describing it as harmful to grassroots development.
“There will be no more movement of players from one state to another. It kills grassroots handball. Any coach who violates this directive will face sanctions,” he warned.
He urged coaches and stakeholders to remain united in their efforts to develop the sport, emphasizing the critical role of coaches.
“Without coaches, there is no handball. We must all work together to build the next generation,” he said.
Ojih also reaffirmed his commitment to rebuilding Nigeria handball from the grassroots, revealing that his long-term vision is modeled after Egypt’s successful developmental system.
“Egypt invested years in grassroots development before achieving success”.
”My goal is similar, to focus on youth programs that will produce strong, competitive players for Nigeria,” he stated.
Speaking earlier, Asogwa said he was elated that the competition ended without any injuries or incidents, commending all participating teams for their discipline and sportsmanship.
He emphasized that the competition, now in its third edition, has become a growing tradition that must be sustained to keep young players active and motivated.
Asogwa, who was recently elevated to the position of President of the HFN Southwest Zone, reaffirmed his passion for grassroots handball development, stressing that his new role would not deter him from promoting the game across Nigeria.
“I’m very happy and excited because when you start a project like this and see it through to a successful end, it’s always fulfilling. We thank God there were no injuries or problems throughout the tournament,” he said.
“Our mission is clear, to take handball back to the grassroots. We have agreed that whenever youth competitions such as U-13, U-15, or U-17 are held in one zone, other zones must also organize theirs. This will help each zone develop its own players rather than depending on others,” he explained.
He also revealed that the South East Zone is already preparing for the National Sports Festival scheduled to hold in Enugu next year, with several developmental programs planned to align with the event.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of Associate Membership Awards to Ojih, and HFN South East Zonal Representative, Onyebuchi Emmanuel Asogwa, by the Lions/Grasshoppers International Legends in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the growth of handball in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, at the end of the competition, Enugu State emerged champions in both the male and female categories.
Abia and Imo States we’re placed second and third respectively in the male event, while Imo finished second and Abia came third in the female category.
The tournament, which featured teams from all five South East states, was widely hailed as a major success and a milestone for grassroots handball development in the region.
BY CHIBUIKE PETER, ENUGU
