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The Southwest Zone of the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) has started a four-day coaching clinic for coaches across the region’s six states.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme, tagged ‘Train the Trainer’, began on Monday at Rowe Park Sports Centre and ends on Thursday, March 5.
The initiative, led by the zonal representative’s office, aims to strengthen coaching capacity and promote handball development in the Southwest and across Nigeria.
The zonal office sponsored three coaches from each Southwest state, bringing the number of state-sponsored participants to eighteen.
Additional coaches from handball academies within the zone are also participating in the intensive training programme.
Southwest Zonal Representative, Gbenga Adewusi, represented by Adegboyega Makinde, said the clinic was designed to reposition handball in the region.
Makinde, former General Manager of the Oyo State Sports Council, thanked Southwest states for supporting the federation during its recent elections.
“We are grateful to the Southwest states for standing firmly with the federation during the elections. Your support has strengthened our resolve to deliver on our promises,” he said.
He commended federation president, Jibril Ojih, for his vision and commitment to developing the sport nationwide.
“This coaching clinic aligns with the broader national agenda to reposition handball in Nigeria. It is one of our campaign promises, and we are fulfilling it,” he said.
Adewusi also expressed appreciation to key stakeholders in the Southwest for their consistent support towards the sport’s growth.
He acknowledged Chief Sam Ocheo, immediate past president of the federation, and Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation.
He also recognised Adegboyega Makinde and Dr Toyin Aluko, President of the Netball Federation of Nigeria, for their contributions.
“We appreciate the collective vision and dedication of our stakeholders who continue to promote handball in the Southwest and across Nigeria,” he said.
According to him, the seminar combines theoretical and practical sessions to equip coaches with modern techniques and knowledge.
“This training is comprehensive. It covers technical, tactical and pedagogical aspects to prepare coaches to develop players at grassroots level,” he said.
In her welcome address, board member, Mrs Adeola Opeifa received participants from the six Southwest states.
“I encourage you to remain attentive and maximise this opportunity. Engage fully with the instructors and take the knowledge back to your states,” she said.
Lectures are to be delivered by Coach Michael Tangaha, an International Handball Federation instructor, focusing on enhancing technical and instructional skills.
The ‘Train the Trainer’ initiative is expected to boost grassroots development and reposition handball as a thriving sport in the Southwest and Nigeria.
