Sports
We Want Handball, An Alternative Sports To Football In FCT-Chairman
…Roll plans for year 2022
By Joel Ajayi
With the coming of the rescue mission Board of the Handball Association in Federal Capital Territory, luck is beginning to shine on the game of handball as the Board rolls out robust plans that will lead to the growth and development of the game.
The FCT interim Chairman of Handball Association and CEO of Poverty Fighters Handball and supporters’ club, Amb. Dr. Edward Olutoke, during a media parley with Journalists on Monday in Abuja, highlighted the plans, as a Handball court inside the old parade ground is wearing a new cloth.
He expressed that the Board is leaving no stone unturned to ensure handball remains an alternative sport to football in Nigeria.
It would be recalled that the poverty fighter squad initiative of the Chairman is using three tools to fight poverty, which are agriculture, housing, and entertainment sports.
Another innovation the board is bringing is to turn old parade ground handball courts around in just one month, “We are going to remodel the courts.
The newly established handball team called the poverty fighter squad would also be playing in a lot of competitions to bring more awareness to the game. The (players) will be duly engaged; we are going to put them on salary.”
“Football happens to be the most popular sport in Nigeria and we are looking for a sport that will also gain attraction. No matter how long, it will surely happen.
Highlighting the plan of actions already in place for handball in FCT, Amb. Olutoke said: “The priority of the present Board is nothing but player’s happiness and it can only happen through competition.
“Within the space of one month, the first ever handball supporters club birth, as the FCT handball court inside old parade ground wears a new look.
“Not only that, friendly matches will be in place from time to time.
“Many players will get scholarships to further their education, as thousands of vulnerable and less privileged will get back on their feet, courtesy of handball in collaboration with many stakeholders.” He said.
Sports
Speaker House Reps, Abbas, Others Thumbs NFF President Over NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and New Training Pitches
…Says It Will Boost Nigeria’s Economy
By Joel Ajayi
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has commended the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, for initiating the NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and new training pitches, describing it as a transformational project that will boost Nigeria’s economy.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, Speaker Abbas praised the initiative and pledged the National Assembly’s full support.
“This is a noble project, and the National Assembly will give it full support. I congratulate the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation, and I thank FIFA for agreeing to fund this project,” he stated while cutting the ceremonial tape.
He also assured the House of Representatives’ support for the visionary leadership of Engineer Ibrahim Musa Gusau and the NFF in other key areas where assistance is required.
Leading the FIFA delegation, Gelson Fernandes (Deputy Chief Member Associations Officer/Regional Director, Africa) reiterated FIFA’s commitment to funding the project, emphasizing that infrastructure development has been a priority since the tenure of President Gianni Infantino began.
Expressing his excitement, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau stated that the hostel and training pitches will serve all Nigerian national teams, leagues, and academies.
“Indeed, my joy knows no bounds. From the day my Executive Committee and I were sworn into office in Benin City on Friday, 30th September 2022, I was determined to push this project forward as a legacy for Nigerian football.
“For sustained success, we must provide a conducive environment, infrastructure, equipment, and support systems that enable players and officials to perform at their best.
“Building a players’ hostel and having new training pitches will not only enhance team management but also reduce costs, allowing us to invest more in grassroots development programs.”
Several dignitaries present at the event applauded Gusau’s leadership, determination, and commitment to football development in Nigeria.
The event was well attended by local and international stakeholders, including sports enthusiasts, who witnessed the groundbreaking ceremony of the NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and Training Pitches.
In addition to the hostel, the project includes:Two new training pitches (one synthetic and one natural grass). Reconstruction of the existing synthetic pitch.
Also, Spectators’ sitting terraces with 1,838 seats.Two dressing rooms for players, each accommodating 27 players.Two dressing rooms for officials.
The construction is expected to last 24 months and is fully funded by FIFA under its FIFA Forward 3.0 programme.
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