Sports
Handball Federation President Tasks Referees on Integrity, Fairness, and Excellence
Joel Ajayi
President of the Nigeria Handball Federation, Jibril Saidu Ojih FNIQS, has charged newly trained young referees to uphold excellence, discipline, and professionalism as they begin their officiating careers in handball.
Speaking on Friday in Abuja at official presentation of certificate for 24 young refrees, the HFN president emphasized the critical role referees play in the growth and development of handball in Nigeria.
According to Jibril, the initiative was designed to strengthen officiating standards and improve the overall quality of handball competitions across the country. The training featured participants from North Central states, excluding Kwara State, with a total of 24 participants made up of 12 male and 12 female referees.
The participants underwent several online training sessions before completing an intensive seven-day physical training programme aimed at sharpening their practical officiating skills and improving their understanding of modern handball rules.
Addressing the participants, Jibril reminded them that refereeing comes with enormous responsibility and demands fairness, confidence, consistency, and continuous learning.
“You must take this opportunity seriously. Officiating is not easy, but with commitment, discipline, and passion, you will grow into respected professionals,” he said.
He stressed that the programme goes beyond certification, urging the trainees to apply the knowledge and skills gained in their future assignments…
“This is not just about earning a certificate. The knowledge and skills you acquire here must be reflected in your performance on the court and in your contribution to the development of handball in Nigeria,” he added.
Jibril further reiterated the federation’s commitment to grassroots development, noting that the HFN is focused on creating opportunities for young talents across the country.
“The first point is simple: we are going grassroots. We want to ensure that young people are given opportunities in sports development, and handball is no exception,” he said.
He explained that the current administration is building on the legacy of the immediate past leadership while introducing new innovations to advance the sport.
“This training is important because these young referees and officials are the future of the game. They are the ones who will take handball to greater heights. Without good referees, the quality of the game drops, and naturally, people lose interest in watching.”
Using a recent tournament in Kaduna as an example, Jibril highlighted the importance of grassroots competitions. He noted that the participation of lesser-known teams demonstrated the need to expand handball development to underserved communities.
He also revealed that the chairman of the PRC of the International Handball Federation had urged Nigeria to invest more in developing young referees, given the country’s importance in global handball.
Looking ahead, Jibril expressed confidence that many of the trainees could become continental and international referees within the next 8 to 10 years if properly nurtured.He concluded by encouraging the new referees to remain dedicated and maintain close communication with the federation whenever they face challenges.
“We are building for the future. Once we get these young people right, Nigeria will benefit greatly. In the end, Nigeria will benefit, and victory will be ours,” he said.
Sports
From Boardroom To Battlefield: Corporate Giants Trade Deals For Goals As Third Edition Of Corporate Stars League Kicks Off
Joel Ajayi
Ten corporate giants are preparing to swap boardroom meetings, spreadsheets and strategy decks for football boots, tactical battles and bragging rights as the Corporate Stars League returns with a promise of fierce competition, corporate networking and business deals that could extend beyond the touchline.
For five weekends, beginning Saturday, October 24, 2026, participating organisations will battle for supremacy on the pitch, where boardroom influence counts for little without teamwork, skill, determination and the ability to find the back of the net.
This year, new contenders have thrown their hats into the ring, hoping to dethrone defending champions Norrenberger and prevent them from making it back-to-back titles.
But Norrenberger are not surrendering their crown without a fight. Their representative, Victor Olamide Mattews, insists the champions are ready to defend their title, warning challengers that stopping them will be no easy task.
The company’s ambition to simplify wealth creation and champion inclusive financial solutions appears to extend beyond the financial market, with the champions eager to establish their dominance on the football pitch as well.
Telecommunications giant MTN, whose slogan is “Everywhere You Go,” will also be looking to make a stronger impression after falling short last season. Their representative, Abubakar Bako says the team is returning with renewed determination, hoping to improve its performance and ensure that this time, its presence is felt across the competition.
The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) is also taking its reach beyond financial statements and revenue collection to test its strength on the pitch. But whether its reform-driven approach can translate into football success remains another ball game entirely.
Meanwhile, the representative of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PI-CNG & EV), David Idakwo, says although this is the organisation’s first appearance in the competition, the team is ready to learn and challenge established conventions.
Similarly, Hassan Haruna of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) says the organisation hopes to translate its financial discipline into tactical precision, sound decision-making and a winning performance on the pitch.
Then comes Beer and Barn, ready to bring its own flavour to the contest. Beyond the football, the hospitality brand offers grilled pub meals, shawarma, live-band performances and energetic DJ nights. Its representatives will hope to make their presence felt on the pitch as much as they do in the entertainment and hospitality scene.
However, the competition is not just about goals, celebrations and corporate bragging rights. With the Nigeria Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), the Pension Commission (PenCom) and Jaiz Bank also among the participating organisations, the banter is already gathering momentum.
From playful jibes about power supply and infrastructure to pension benefits, investment decisions and corporate expansion, the pre-tournament exchanges have added another layer of excitement to a competition where professional rivalries will temporarily give way to football banter.
But when the whistle blows, the real talking will have to be done with the ball. Every misplaced pass, missed chance and defensive lapse could prove costly, while a moment of brilliance could separate champions from challengers.
Speaking after the draws and unveiling of the teams, 5Stars Operations Manager, Misal Dikko, said this year’s edition promises a higher level of competition, with more participating teams and increased expectations from corporate management.
“We are going to have an interesting competition, especially with the number of participating teams and the level of expectations from management. They have shown they are ready to put their money where their mouth is by supporting their teams with all the necessary logistics,” Dikko said.
With ten corporate teams preparing to battle over five weekends, the Corporate Stars League promises more than football. It is a meeting point for competition, camaraderie, networking and business opportunities.
For the defending champions, the mission is to protect their crown. For the challengers, it is a chance to rewrite the story. And for every team, the ultimate objective is clear: turn corporate ambition into football glory.
-
Featured7 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured7 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured7 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured7 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Featured7 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
-
Sports4 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News2 years agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
