The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has praised Nigeria’s dominant performance at the IHF Trophy Zone 3 tournament in Lomé, Togo, describing it as a major boost for the country’s male athletes.
Olopade made the remarks on Monday while receiving the victorious U-18 and U-20 handball teams at his office in Abuja, following their impressive outing at the regional competition.
According to the NSC boss, the teams’ success highlights the steady growth of handball in Nigeria and underscores the need for greater support from both the government and private sector.
“Your performance in Togo has shown that handball is a progressive sport that deserves all the support from both the private sector and the Sports Commission,” he said.
Olopade noted that while Nigeria’s female athletes have consistently delivered success on the international stage, the recent achievements of the male handball teams signal a welcome balance.
“At a time when our women athletes have dominated international success for the country, it is quite refreshing to see our male teams achieving this sort of international success as well,” he added.
The Director General also revealed that he closely followed handball events at the last National Sports Festival in Ogun State, expressing optimism that Nigeria can challenge the traditional dominance of North African countries in the sport with increased support.
He further commended the leadership of the Handball Federation of Nigeria, led by its President, Jibril Saidu, for their commitment to developing the game.
“I want to thank the leadership of the federation, especially Jibril Saidu, who has continued to show impressive passion to grow the sport,” Olopade said.
He assured the federation of the Commission’s full backing ahead of the continental championship later in the year, pledging adequate support to ensure Nigeria’s continued success.
In his response, Saidu expressed gratitude to the NSC for its renewed support, noting that it has given handball a stronger sense of belonging within Nigeria’s sports structure. He also reaffirmed the federation’s ambition to win the upcoming continental tournament.