Sports
Handball Federation Polls: Scramble for Places On the Board Intensifies As Zonal Elections Hold On Saturday
By: Chinedum Ohanusi
The outlook of the incoming Board of the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN), will become clearer after this weekends polls, that will produce the six zonal representatives, on Saturday.
Under the reign of the outgoing President, Mr. Samuel Ocheho the HFN was one of the few sports federations that managed to make appreciable impact, despite being deprived of government funding.
Election for the fifteen-member Board of the new HFN Board, began earlier in the month with the positions of Technical and Players representatives.
The elections held at the Velodrome, in Package A of the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja; were in strict compliance with the HFN rules and regulations, and guidelines of the National Sports Commission (NSC).
Former international head coach of the FRSC Safety Shooters, and Safety Babes, Bala Mohammed retained his place on the Board as Technical representative, by routing Kogi-based IHF/CHAB Referees Moses Balogun by 53-17.
The resounding victory, was a clear pointer as to the pendulum would be swinging to, as Bala is a strong ally of Jinrin Saidu who is looking to mount the saddle after losing the last election to Mr. Ocheeho by just a single vote.
The election for the post of players’ representative, was also a clean sweep for Talle Dada Aliyu, of Niger United Handball Club of Minna. Aliyu polled 27 votes to beat the incumbent, Joseph Update of NSCDC De Defenders HC, who got only 8 votes.
It is worthy of note that Udale’s election as players’ representative, four years ago was hotly contested, and it was later quashed by an Abuja High Court.
And although Mr. Sam Ocheeho is not contesting in this elections, the Banker is believed to be in support of another candidate for the Presidency, other than Mallam Jibrin.
Sports
Nigeria Jets Out Tuesday for 2025 Hockey AFCON as Federation President Engr Nkom Backs Teams for Podium Finish
Joel Ajayi
With the 2025 Hockey African Cup of Nations (AFCON) set to take place in Egypt from October 11 to 18, both the men’s and women’s national hockey teams are set to depart Nigeria on October 7, brimming with confidence and determination to make the nation proud.
The President of the Hockey Federation of Nigeria (HFN), Engineer Simon Nkom, speaking after a series of friendly matches at the Hockey Pitch, Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, said the teams’ early preparation and intensive training camps have positioned them for a successful outing in Egypt.
“In sports—whether it’s hockey, handball, or basketball—fitness is key. That’s why we began camping weeks ago to build the players’ strength and resilience ahead of this major competition. This is the African Cup of Nations—the highest level of hockey on the continent. We’ve prepared well, and I’m confident our teams will finish on the podium,” he stated.
Nkom highlighted the significant progress Nigerian hockey has recorded in recent years, noting that the country’s world ranking improved from 56th to 36th, while in Hockey 5s, Nigeria now stands 12th globally.
“A few years ago, people barely knew hockey existed in Nigeria. Today, our women’s team ranks 3rd in Africa, and the men’s team is 4th. This growth is a product of deliberate grassroots development and consistent effort,” he added.
To ensure smooth participation and avoid past challenges of late arrivals at tournaments, the federation has finalized logistics for early departure.
“We’ve made all arrangements for the teams to leave early to acclimatize and play friendly matches before the competition begins. The players are motivated, relaxed, and ready to give their best. By God’s grace, they will return home with their heads held high,” Nkom assured.
The HFN President also lauded the federation’s board members for their commitment and teamwork over the past four years, which he said has greatly contributed to the sport’s steady rise in Nigeria.
Head coach Ndana Baba Abdullahi, who oversees both the men’s and women’s teams, praised the federation’s support and lauded the players’ work ethic throughout the extended training camp.
“We’ve worked very hard — morning and evening sessions, tactical drills, conditioning. The players have responded excellently. We started with 35 players and are now down to the final 18 who will make the trip,” Abdullahi said, adding that the early arrival in Egypt would give Nigeria a crucial psychological and tactical edge.
Men’s team captain, Michael John, expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness and determination to make history in Egypt.
“We’re perfectly fine — we’ve trained hard and prepared well,” he said. “We’re just waiting for the whistle to blow. By God’s grace, we won’t disappoint our country or those who worked hard to send us there.”
Similarly, women’s team captain, Alfa Cornelius, echoed optimism about the team’s prospects.
“We’ve been camping for over a month, and the coaches have done a wonderful job. We’ve worked hard to match our opponents in both strength and skill. I’m 100% confident that we’ll perform excellently in Egypt,” she said.
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