By Ebube Dike

The President, Handball Federation of Nigeria, HFN, Mr Samuel Ocheho ha e said that the federation achieved all her set target and even more in the year 2021.

Ocheho, in his new year message, said the board of the HFN ensured that they continue to work in ensuring massive growth and the development of handball in the grassroot which enabled them to discover more talents.

He also said aside the fact the HFN was one of the few sporting federation that had activity every other month of the year, the federation also ensured that there is harmony in the Nigeria handball family even during the election.

“The year 2022, as challenging as it might be, was a fruitful year for Nigeria handball” Ocheho said.

“We as the HFN can count our blessings from the national team activities to the gains of the Prudent Energy Handball Premier League 2021 to also the gain of having the Edo State Government deciding to sponsor and host the National Division One League to Sokoto State government for their continued sponsorship and successfully hosting of the National Under 12/15 Handball Championship”

“For national duties, the senior national women handball team for the first time in 27 years participated in the Africa Women Nations Cup in Cameroon and got to the quarter finals of the championship despite the odds.

We also got female coaches for our national under 18 and 21 female handball national teams and the coaches have proven their mettle in the discharge of their duties”

“One big reason I have to thank God is the unity and love in the Nigeria handball family despite we had a close election to elect a new board for the federation.

It was a great year and we on our part as a federation, we will ensure that we do better in 2022″

Ocheho, while revealing that the Prudent Energy Handball Premier League 2022 will hold in two phases, also stated that the postponement of th 25th Men Africa Handball Nations Cup is a blessing in disguise as it will position the federation to plan so that Nigeria can do well in the championship which will be hosted in Morocco.

“The Prudent Energy Handball Premier League is our biggest competition domestically and thus, the HFN will ensure it continues to go from strength to strength. That is why the league will revert back to phases with the first phase in Abuja and the second phase in Lagos.

“Also, the postponement of the Africa Men Handball Nations Cup is a blessing in disguise for us as it will ensure we plan better to ensure that the Golden Arrows do well at the competition”

Ocheho also thanked the sponsors and urge more sponsors to partner the federation for continued development of the sport.

He also wish the Nigeria handball family a fruitful year for the sport.