Tag: Handball

Nigeria’s Senior Men Handball Team, the Golden Arrows, would be targeting their second  win in as many matches  when they take on  Zambia  at the on-going  27^th Men’s Handball Africa Nations Cup(HAFCON)  in Kigali, Rwanda.

The Nigerian hopefuls began their campaign at the continental tournament on a winning note with a hard-fought 25–23 victory over Algeria in their opening Group A match on Tuesday. The encounter, played at the Petit Stade, saw Nigeria take early control and head into the break with a 16–13 first-half advantage, thanks to a disciplined defensive display and efficient finishing in attack.

Algeria mounted a strong fightback after the restart, closing the gap and testing Nigeria’s resolve, but the Golden Arrows held firm in the closing minutes to secure a deserved two points at the end of regulation time.

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Key contributions came from Faruk Yusuf, who provided leadership and goals from the backcourt, while John Shagari was influential on the left flank. In goal, Okwor Obinna produced crucial saves at decisive moments to frustrate the Algerians and preserve Nigeria’s narrow lead.

The win places Nigeria in a strong position in Group A, which also features hosts Rwanda and Zambia.

The Golden Arrows will return to action today , when they face Zambia in their second group match, scheduled for 1:00pm as they continue their quest for a podium finish in the continental championship which serves as qualifiers for the 2027 World Men’s Handball Championship in Germany.

Nigeria’s women Handball teams won their Monday’s matches  at the on-going  IHF Women’s Trophy Zonal Phase championship in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire as the Under 18 women’s team dug  dig deep to earn a 36-33 victory over Burkina Faso while the Under 20 team totally thrashed  Togo  in a flattering  52-8 victory.

Nigeria’s U-18 girls overturned a three-goal halftime deficit to edge Burkina Faso 36–33 in a thrilling encounter which saw the Burkinabe side dominate proceedings with fast breaks and well-coordinated wing play as well as forcing Nigeria to commit so many turnovers as they headed into the break with a 20–17 advantage.

But the second half was different as the Coach John Uzor’s side started playing more like the team that defeated Togo the previous day with vital goals to outscore Burkina Faso and also defended like their liv es depended on it. With precise finishes from the wings and dominant transitional play, Nigeria outscored their opponents 19–13 in the second half, sealing a hard-fought 36–33 victory that showcased resilience and tactical maturity.

They will play Ghana in their last match of group A on Tuesday at 1 pm.

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Later in the day, Nigeria’s U-20 women, in a goal-fest, ran riot over Togo with a 52–8 demolition that left spectators in awe. The Coach Shittu Agboola’s tutored team imposed themselves from the blast of the whistle, executing fast breaks with surgical precision and applying high-pressure defence that left Togo with little room to breathe.

The wings operated with ruthless efficiency, while the backcourt players dictated tempo and dished out assists with flair. By halftime, Nigeria had already opened up a commanding 24-6 lead, and they didn’t take their foot off the gas in the second half as they swiftly defeated Togo 52-8.

Nigeria’s Under  20  Women team will play Benin Republic today  at 5pm.

National  U-20 Women’s Handball coach, Shittu Agboola, has lamented  the non-release of one of his star players, Taiwo Babatunde, by Yaba College of Technology as the  team jet out  along with their U-18 Women’s  team counterparts for the IHF Women’s Trophy Zonal Phase holding  between April 20^th  and 24^th in  Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire,  

The two teams have been training at the Rowe Park Sports Centre Yaba, Lagos for close to two weeks and their squad was  streamlined  to 14 players per team  ahead  of their departure yesterday for the competition.

Coach John Uzor of the National Under 18 team,  has included Omole Joy of Defender Babes and her sister Omole Shola alongside Ojie Princess of Funad Academy with right back,  Faisat Balogun  as well as Success Duru, Chetachi Ngaodurubie of COAS Babes and Sharon Okonkwo in the mix.

On the other hand,  coach Agboola stuck with the players he has been grooming since their under 18 days. The team is led by Captain Chidera Ogbusimba alongside her Rima Queens teammates the Samuel Sisters, Amina Mohammed and Joy Peters. Israel-based Rahima Bello, Kehinde Babatunde of ASPAC HBC of Benin Republic and Esther Mathew, who is also based in Benin Republic.

Despite refusal of  Yaba College of Technology  to release key player, Taiwo Babatunde, Coach Shittu believes his team will make Nigeria proud.

“I am really upset that Taiwo Babatunde will not be part of the team for this competition as her school, Yaba College of Technology insisted that they will not release her for national service because of examination,” he said. “We did everything humanly possible to secure her release  but they didn’t care that it is a national service (for the interest of Nigeria)  and the growth of sports. We have other players who are also students and they were released from their schools but for no tangible reason, YabaTech refused to release Taiwo despite the fact that we did everything possible to secure her release.

“It’s sad and i hope the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Sports Commission would work in tandem so that schools will support our goal in making Nigeria proud in sporting events”

“Regardless, we still have the core of the team and i believe we’ll do well at the IHF Women’s Trophy Zonal Phase Championship in Abidjan, Cote’ d’Ivoire.” Shittu added.

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Nigeria under 18 team is in group A alongside Ghana, Togo and Burkina Faso and they will begin their campaign against Togo on Sunday at 11am afterwards they will play Burkina Faso on Monday at 9am and then play Ghana on Tuesday at 11am.

Nigeria’s Under 20 team are in group B alongside Benin Republic and Togo. They will begin their campaign on Monday against Togo at 3pm and then play Benin Republic on Tuesday at 3pm.

All matches will be played at the Salle Polyvalente des Parcs de port de Treichville (Multipurpose Sports Hall), in Abidjan.

UNDER 20 FINAL LIST:

Goalkeeper

1. Kehinde Babatunde – ASPAC HBC, Cotonou

2.Precious Samuel – Rima Queens, Sokoto

Centre Back

3. Rahima Bello – Nestiona HBC, Israel

4. Izuoba Ijeoma – Delta Force, Delta

Right Back

5. Esther Mathew – Addidja HBC, Cotonou

6. Chidera Ogbusimba – Rima Queens, Sokoto

Left Back

7. Prudence Samuel -Rima Queens, Sokoto

8. Michael Christiana – Delta Force. Delta

Left Wing

9..Amina Mohammed – Rima Queens, Sokoto

10. Joy Peters – Rima Queens, Sokoto

Right Wing

11. Lucy Onyekwere – Rima Queens, Sokoto

12. Mahmud Aishat- Addidja Hbc, Cotonou.

Pivot

13. Mariam Ojo – FUNAD Falcons, Lagos

14. Akinlade Damilola – Rivers Queens, Rivers

Coaches

Agboola Shittu Adewunmi (Head Coach)

Abdullahi Suleiman  (Asst. Coach)

NATIONAL UNDER 18 GIRLS

               1.           Omole Joy

               2.               Ngaodurubie Chetachi Angela

               3.           Omole Shola

               4.           Sharon Okonkwo

               5.           Ojie Princess

               6.           Nestor Abigail

               7.           Balogun Faisat

               8.           Audu Salamatu

               9.           Mohammed Balikis

               10.        Duru Success

               11.        Oluwalade Phebe

               12.        Adebayo Aliya

               13.        Peter Sarah

               14.        Treasure Mike osagie

The Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN)  has announced  the passing of the first coach of the national handball teams of Nigeria, Coach Raymond Braimah, who died on Monday, December 16.

Braimah died peacefully  after a brief illness surrounded by his family and close relations. He was 84 years old

The deceased  was one of the pioneers of the sport in Nigeria as he was employed as the first National Coach in 1973 immediately after the All Africa Games in Lagos wherein he was part of the coaching following his resignation from the Army.

He was the coach of the national teams that participated in all international and national competitions in the 1970s and also the 80s

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Braimah, who had his coaching training in Budapest, Hungary, in 1974, played a pivotal role in shaping the development of handball in the country. As a founding figure and mentor, his contribution to the growth of Handball in Nigeria is unmatched, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of players and coaches alike.

President of the Handball Federation of Nigeria, Samuel Ocheho, expressed shock and sadness at the passing of Coach Braimah who was part of the legends of the 1970s team that were honoured recently by the Federation at the grand finale of the Ardova Handball Premier League 2024 phase 2 in Lagos.

“Coach Braimah’s passing is a devastating loss to the entire handball community and Nigerian sports at large. He was not just a coach but a key part of the fabric that defined handball in Nigeria, ” Ocheho said. “Just last week, he was honoured – represented by his son—along with other legends of the 1970s national teams for their invaluable service to the sport. It is shocking that only a week after receiving this recognition, he has passed on.”

On behalf of the board of the Handball Federation of Nigeria and the entire Nigeria Handball family, Ocheho extends its deepest condolences to the family of Coach Raymond Braimah, his loved ones, and the entire sporting community while also declaring that his legacy will continue to live on through the countless lives he impacted, and his dedication to Nigerian handball will never be forgotten.

Leaders of the Ardova Premier Handball League, Safety Babes  yesterday defeated Rivers Queens 36-27 on Wednesday, the opening day of the  second phase of the 2024 season.

The Safety Babes were the better team in the encounter but the Angels from Port Harcourt also had their moments in the games, giving the champions a run for their money.

For Safety Babes, it was about consolidating their dominance with the win as they eye another title at the end of the season.

In another game, the De Defenders Babes lost to Rima Queens 36-34 in keenly contested game. There was little to separate the two teams as they battled all through the close game which Rima Queens won by two goals difference.

Also in game of sisters, Delta Queens beat Bendel Dynamos 34 -18. The Queens’ class showed in a game Dynamos were not close to their best. The Queens took advantage of porous defence and uncoordinated play of the Benin team to record the win.

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In the men’s category, defending champions, Sunshine Kings lost 22-34 to Niger United. The champions finished third after the first phase in Benin, Edo State. However, they were at their fluid best against the Kings from Akure.

Kano Pillars woe continued as the former champions lost to Lagos Seasiders 19-17. Pillars’ coach, Solomon Yola, attributed the loss to fatigue and stated that they could have still won the game if his players took the several scoring chance that came their way.

He said: “I can’t blame the players for the defeat. We are fatigued. We came 8pm on Tuesday from Kano by road and we did not get enough rest before our 8am game on Wednesday.

“We had our chances in the games which we missed but it all went down to fatigue. Hopefully, we can get enough rest before our next games,” the coach added.

Nigeria Under 18 Handball team were yesterday beaten 23-22 points in a classification match against Chile at the IHF Women’s World Under 18 Handball World Championship ongoing in Chuzhou, China.

In an end to end match between the both sides, the Coach Shittu Adewunmi Agboola’s tutored team matched their Chilean opponent in the same number of shots and had a better shots efficiency than their previous matches but they still fell short as they lost the first half 11-10 to the South Americans

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The second half was equally poised between both teams as Nigeria scored more goals from the 9 meters, the wings and from fast breaks but scaled through with near goals which resulted in 12-12 apiece in the second half and the Chilean winning the match 23-22.

Blessing Igbinedion and Lucy Chinecherem were the stars as Nigeria continued from where they left off against Angola but they couldn’t just nick it.

Nigeria will play Austria in another classification match on Tuesday.

The National Division One League 2024 is set to begin in Benin City today as over twenty teams will converge at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium to participate in the second tier handball league. 

The National Division One League, which is proudly sponsored by the Edo State government alongside the Handball Federation of Nigeria, is the second tier league in which four teams from the men and women categories will gain promotion to the Ardova Handball Premier League 2025.

All the teams expectedly arrived Benin City, Edo State yesterday and participated in the technical meeting wherein the draw for the league was done. 

Matches will then commence on today through to the 19th  July wherein two teams each from the men and women categories will qualify for the top tier Ardova Handball Premier League. They will then depart Benin City on the 20th of July 2024.

Some of the teams include but not limited to COAS Shooters, Bendel Dynamos, Police Machine, Bayelsa Boys and Arise Handball Club to mention a few in the men category; and Osun Babes, Mindscope Academy, Coal City Babes, Benue Queens and Police Machine in the female category.

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Chairman, Edo State Sports Commission and former Athletic legend, Yusuf Alli has assured the Handball Federation of Nigeria and the participating teams of a hitch free championship. He further said that the Edo State Government is dedicated to continue the growth of sports which has attracted competition to the state.

 “Let me state clearly that we are happy to be a worthy partner with the Handball Federation of Nigeria in hosting the National Division One League. It has been a mutually beneficial and rewarding partnership which has seen Edo State attract the best of handball 

 “I want to therefore assure the HFN that the Edo State Sports Commission has put plans in place to ensure that the National Division One League is a memorable one which will see the best of handballing experience in Benin City,” he concluded.

Also, the Secretary General of the HFN,  Almu Lambu has also expressed the appreciation of the HFN to the Edo State Government for partnering with the Federation to sponsor and host the National Division One League 2024.

 “On behalf of the HFN, we want to thank the Edo State Government for choosing to partner with us in ensuring the continued growth of handball in Nigeria.

The Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) has declared Edo State government as the host and sponsor of its   the Division 1 League is sponsored by the Edo State Government.

Secretary General of HFN,  Umar Lambu, in a statement  said  that teams expected to arrive Benin City on the July 14th  to engage in a draw for the league.

 “The Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) is pleased to inform you that the 2024 Division One Handball League will take place from 14th  to 20th  July, 2024 in Benin City, Edo State.

 “I hereby urge participating teams to start their preparation in earnest so that they can adequately be ready for the competition which will serve as a promotion of winners to the Ardova Handball Premier League 2025”.

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Lambu also thanked the Edo State Government for partnering with the HFN in hosting and sponsoring the National Division One League

The National Division One League is the second tier league wherein the champions and runners in the male and female categories respectively will gain promotion to play in the top tier Ardova Handball Premier League.

Teams expected to participate are those who were relegated in the Ardova Handball Premier League 2023 such as Bendel Dynamos Men team, Bayelsa Queens, Benue Queens, Police Machine Men team and others who are not participating in the Ardova Handball Premier League 2024.

Nigeria Men Handball team also known as the Golden Arrows  will  tomorrow be angling  for a place in the  final  of the  handball event of the  ongoing African Games in Ghana.  

Though they lost  their last group game to Egypt 27-25, the Golden Arrows  still secured a place in the  semi- final  where they will face-off against  DR Congo who  defeated Kenya 45-31 to finish on top of Group B with six  points.

Read Also: Nigeria win first game at women’s handball tourney in Tashkent  

According to BSN Sports,  the Coach Rafiu-led side stood up to the Africa Champion Egypt from the beginning of the match till the end with determination and only lost out to their opponents because of some turnovers which ensured that lost the match slimly.

The Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq was at Borteyman Sports Complex in Accra, Ghana to watch the match on the invitation of the President of the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) Mr. Samuel Ocheho.

The result means Nigeria finished second in Group A with  four  points while Egypt had six  points. For each victory, the team got two  points.

A victory for the Golden Arrows over DR Congo tomorrow  will see them qualify for the final of the Handball event for the first time in the history of the African Games.

Nigeria’s Under -18 Women’s Handball Team secured their first win at the ongoing IHF Women’s Trophy Intercontinental Phase in Uzbekistan following their 28-23 points victory over Guadeloupe yesterday.

The Nigeria’s representatives went with high hopes on Sunday and landed in Tashkent the capital of Uzbekistan on Monday. 

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The Under 18 Handball Team who are African Champions in the IHF Trophy after they emerged victorious in the African Zone 3 Tournament in Ghana and the continental phase in Cote d’Ivoire o last year , beat their opponents from Guadeloupe to start the series on a winning note. 

The coach Shittu Adewunmi Agboola-tutored girls will face New Caledonia in the second game of Group A.