Former national team player Lawrence Ekele has called on sports lovers to support the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) to ensure that the sport continues to grow.
Sports247 reports that Ekele also disclosed that he decided to donate eight handballs to the country’s national teams because he believes individuals can play key roles in boosting the growth of the sport with support for the federation in various ways.
The ex-international, who is fondly called ‘Akara,’ added that he made the donation as a contribution to the HFN’s continued efforts at developing the sport to high standards across various categories in the country.
The London-based former player, who starred for Benue Buffaloes of Makurdi during his days in Nigeria’s National Handball Premier League, made the donation during a training match between the senior women and under-18 boys, who are currently in camp.
Ekele declared during the presentation, “As the federation focuses on grassroots development, I felt it would be nice to also give my input in whatever way I can to help the federation achieve its goals.
“I feel so happy, because the federation is doing well right now. They started very well by going to the grassroots and focusing on underage competitions, which is something very desirable.
“Handball went through a lot of problems, and, for almost a decade, there was no competition. But thank God, there was a new president who came in, Samuel Ocheho, who brought the game back into the limelight once more.
“Now, the standard is there, and there is a new president who is also trying to improve on the legacy that Sam left behind. Thanks to the current President, Mr. Jibri Saidu Ojih, for continuing the success story.
“I felt I should give my own contribution towards the development of handball. We all have to come to support the Federation to ensure that handball develops and continues to develop, rather than going backwards.”
