Sports

Minister tips female Handball Team for continental glory

Published

5 years ago

May 6, 2021

The Honorable Minister of Youth and Sports Development Mr. Sunday Dare paid an unscheduled visit to the camp of the female National Handball team at the Aguyi Ironsi Military Cantonment, Abuja where he charged them to make Nigeria proud at the competition.

According to the Minister “I’m glad to be here this evening to watch you prepare through your camping for the Africa Handball Cup of Nations taking place in Cameroon. I want to encourage you to see it as an honor to represent Nigeria. I’ve watched some of you play in our league and seen alot of talents in you, Periodically during your camping, I’ll come around to see you as well as send you off when you are ready to leave for Cameroon.”

The Minister commended the Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of the Nigerian Handball Federation Samuel Ocheho, “Your President ,now Chairman has done excellently well, as he is a model President in our Federations whom others should take a cue from.”

Ocheho expressed appreciation to the Minister for always supportiing Handball and sports generally “it is always a pleasure to see that you come through for Handball and sports generally in the country, we do not take it for granted. We Appreciate your support and look forward to making the country proud in Cameroon”

Captain of the team Dorathy Nyugh said “it is a great joy and honour to have you here Honourable Minister, it’s been 20 years since the Female Handball team last featured in the Nations Cup. Even after our arrival to camp, people still had doubts but your presence here today has given us more assurance . We are energised by your encouragement which would gear us to victory. Our Morale is high now, and we will give all necessary cooperation to our coaches and management to ensure victory”.

The team will be camped for one month at the Aguyi Ironsi Cantonment and are scheduled to leave for Cameroon on June 5th for the competition scheduled for 6th- 18th in Yaounde.

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Sports

Nigerian Goalkeeper James Honoured with Spot in Finland’s Team of the Season

Published

8 hours ago

October 27, 2026

The Gleamer

Ibrahim Lawal

Nigeria’s Super Eagles goalkeeper Samuel Friday James has earned recognition among the best-performing players in Finland following his impressive displays for SJK Akatemia in the 2026 season.

The 20-year-old shot-stopper ranks second among the league’s selected best-performing XI, with an average rating of 7.61, according to statistics published by Totori News.

James’ performances have stood out despite the challenging campaign faced by his club, with his consistency between the posts making him one of the bright spots in the team.

The former Mavlon FC goalkeeper has recorded four clean sheets in Finland’s Ykkösliiga this season, while his shot-stopping ability has further underlined his growing reputation in European football.

According to available season statistics from FootyStats, James has made 20 league appearances, playing 1,800 minutes. He has conceded 32 goals and made 75 saves from 109 shots faced, giving him a save percentage of approximately 68.8 per cent.

His four clean sheets account for 20 per cent of his league appearances, demonstrating his ability to keep opponents at bay despite the defensive challenges confronting his team.

James has also shown composure and resilience in difficult matches, including his recent international outing for Nigeria against Russia, where he made his senior Super Eagles appearance in the 3-3 friendly draw on October 6.

Standing at 1.95 metres, the young goalkeeper possesses the physical attributes required for the modern game, combining his reach with quick reactions and an increasingly valuable experience of European football.

His rise has been particularly encouraging following his move from Lagos-based Mavlon FC to Finland in 2025. Since then, he has continued to develop through regular competitive football and has attracted attention for his performances.

James’ latest statistical recognition of 7.55 rating in the team of the season adds to his growing profile as Nigeria continues to assess goalkeeping options for the future.

At 20, the goalkeeper will be hoping to build on his progress in Finland and establish himself as a regular contender for the Super Eagles, while continuing to improve his performances at club level.

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