The management of one of Nigeria’s elitist men’s handball clubs, Niger United of Minna has appealed to the Niger State government for support and sustained funding that would enable the team which has undergoing significant rejuvenation, win more laurels for the power state.
Head Coach of the team, Yekini Adebayo who make the plea, specifically called on the Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago to see to the welfare and wellbeing of the team, ahead of the second phase of the 2023 Ardova Handball Premier League, scheduled for next month, in Lagos.
Niger United HC were inaugural winners of the men’s handball premier league; but has in recent editions, been unable to reproduce their imperious best that saw them win the title in 2017.
Presently, they sit at the summit of the Andova Premier League table, with 30 points, 2 points clear of their closest rivals FRSC Safety Shooters of Abuja, after eleven (11) games played in phase one of the championship, in Benin City, Edo State.
Adebayo told reporters in Minna that for some years now, the club has been largely funded by members of the Handball Association, the goodwill of friends of the association, and sacrifices made by players and officials of the club; which by nomenclature and indeed is a creation of the State and its ministry of Sports.
Adebayor, a former Coach of the national team, hopes the new government will intervene swiftly, and motivate the players to win the 2023 Ardova Handall Premier League.
“Members of the Association have in recent years, kept the club afloat and ensured that we were not relegated from the elite league. But I guess it’s time for his Excellency, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago to invest in handball, for us to be able to win the trophy for the second time, and bring it back Minna”; Adebayo enthused.
The former Niger United handball club player said preparation for the second and final phase of the championship has commenced and the players have been told to redouble their efforts, so that they can build on their 2-point lead at the top, and eventually retain the top spot.
“I feel excited that Niger United are sitting on top of the log after the end of the first phase. The team played above average, but could have done better by beating Kano Pillars who were below par on the day we played them. As a result, there’s still a lot of work to be done, before our trip to Lagos”, the gaffer concluded.
