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 less 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.
