Newly elected President of the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN), Jibril Saidu Ojih, has hit the ground running, using his first official outing to set a firm developmental agenda for the sport — one anchored on grassroots revival, talent development, and structural discipline.
Ojih, who clinched the federation’s top seat with a 9–5 victory in the presidential election, delivered a clear message during the closing ceremony of the 3rd South East U-15 Handball Championship held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.
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He praised the resurgence of handball in the region, describing the level of organization, talent discovery, and energy on display as a “fresh breath of life” for the sport.
“The South East has come back to life. The talent, coordination, and enthusiasm here are beautiful,” Ojih stated, applauding the efforts of the zone’s leadership and urging them to sustain the momentum.
He commended the South East Zonal President, Onyebuchi Emmanuel Asogwa, and the Handball Legends for delivering a successful championship that aligns with his broader reform blueprint.
Ojih positioned the initiative as a model for his long-term vision — one inspired by Egypt’s proven grassroots development system, which he aims to replicate to rebuild Nigerian handball into a competitive force.
But Ojih did not mince words when addressing practices that undermine development. He announced a clampdown on the transfer of underaged players between states, warning that coaches who engage in the act would face sanctions.
“There will be no more movement of players from one state to another. It kills grassroots handball,” he cautioned, reaffirming that coaches remain central to the sport’s renaissance. “Without coaches, there is no handball. We must work together to build the next generation.”
Asogwa, recently elevated to HFN Southwest Zonal President, expressed joy over the championship’s success, noting that its seamless delivery and high level of discipline validate the region’s rising commitment to youth development. He emphasized the need for every zone to run consistent youth competitions to develop homegrown talent rather than relying on others.
With the National Sports Festival set to hold in Enugu next year, Asogwa revealed that the zone is already mapping out programs to strengthen its competitive readiness.
The championship ended on a celebratory note, with Enugu State winning both male and female categories. Abia and Imo finished second and third, respectively, in the male category, while Imo placed second and Abia third in the female event.
A notable highlight was the presentation of Associate Membership Awards to Ojih and Asogwa by the Lions/Grasshoppers International Legends for their contribution to the sport’s growth.
The successful hosting of the tournament — featuring all five South East states — has fueled optimism that Nigerian handball may be entering a new era of structured development, discipline, and resurgence under Ojih’s leadership.
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