By: Chinedum Ohanusi
Critical stakeholders in the nation’s Handball sector have continued to express deep satisfaction over the successful completion of the International Handball Federation (IHF) Grade C Coaching License Course, which concluded in Abuja, on Saturday March 22, 2025.
The weeklong intensive coaching course, which held from March 15 to 22, 2025 was organized by the International Handball Federation (IHF) and the Confederation of African Handball (CAHB) in conjunction with the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN).
At the end, twenty-seven elite Nigerian handball Coaches, three of them women; and one male trainer from Cameroun were issued with the Grade C licence certificates.
Aside from bringing together a huge number of top and aspiring handball coaches from across the country, and even beyond to have a cross fertilization of ideas, and enhance their knowledge and technical expertise in modern coaching trends, in the fast transitioned game of handball.
The lead course instructor from the IHF, was Dr. Zoltan Marczinka from Hungary, who had the support of Côte d’Ivoire’s Mr. Kelvin Konan, from CAHB; and Nigeria’s own Michael Tangahaar, who served as the local instructor, for the seamless and impactful learning experience for all participants.
Speaking on the successful conclusion of the programme, HFN President, Mr. Samuel Ocheho praised the collaborative efforts of the IHF and CAHB in helping to develope coaching standards in Nigeria.
Mr. Ocheho also emphasized that capacity building initiatives like this will in addition to improving the technical capacity of Nigerian handball coaches, also contribute significantly to the overall growth of handball in the country, especially the leagues and at the grassroots.
“On behalf of the Federation [HFN], I want to praise the global handball body IHF and Africa’s handball Federation CAHB for collaborating with us [HFN] in holding this course in Nigeria and helping to deepen the knowledge of our coaches.”
Mr. Ocheho, whose two terms as HFN President have witnessed the rejuvenation of the game in the country, added that “we acknowledge the fact that this will help a great deal in developing the technical capacity of the course participants, whilst imparting the overall growth of handball in the country, being that most of the coaches were Nigerians” Mr. Ocheho concluded.
On behalf of himself and the HFN Board, he extended gratitude to the instructors – Dr. Marczinka, and Mr. Konan; as well as Michael Tangahaar and all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the course while reiterating that the federation remains committed to furthering the development of handball in Nigeria through capacity-building programmes and international exposures of coaches and players.
At the closing ceremony, goodwill messages were delivered by the following HFN Board members; Dr. Toyin Aluko, Otunba Sylvester Ikuejamoye, Mr. Hussaini Muhammed (North East rep on the board), and Mr. Saidu Jibrin Oji North Central rep on the board).
Mr. Muhammad asserted that the purpose of bringing the course to Nigeria, was to give as many coaches as possible, the opportunity to enhance their knowledge, and earn the IHF requisite badges, at a reduced cost.
Otunba Ikuejamoye admonished the participants to be mindful that coaching isn’t a one off thing; and like learning it never stops. Dr. Aluko alluded to this, but added that the training should continue, even after the course; and to reach their peak, the coaches would have to constantly reinvent themselves.
Mr. Jibrin Oji postulates that the Grade C licence, shouldn’t be the end target of the participants. He therefore urged them to go out there, to unearth and groom young talents, at the grassroots, and make the acquisition of the Grade A License their utmost goal.
“Kudos must go to our President Sam Ocheho, he made it possible; but this is what we have prayed for all along, and God has granted our prayers”, Mr. Jibrin Oji told reporters.
CAHB Head of training, Mr. Konan who expressed his delight with the performances of all the course participants, urged them not to slow down, until they got to the top of their careers.
On behalf of the new Grade C coaches, Abdulhakim Yakubu (Sokoto State Director of Sports) thanked the HFN, and the three Instructors for impacting on their knowledge, and certification at a reduced cost, thereby making the future of handball in Nigeria have a more prosperous outlook.
