The Head Coach of the Niger State Handball Association (NSHA), Fidelis Obi, on Friday urged the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) to put in place machineries for regular competitions in 2015.
He said that there were not adequate handball activities in 2014, adding that series of championships in 2015 were necessary to make up.
“The focus next year should be on organising competitions at various levels to identify and engage players to make up for programmes that were not held this year.
“Only little was achieved this year in terms of holding national competitions and attending international events; we must do away with such a record next year,’’ he urged.
According to him, the responsibility of improving the standard of handball in the country should be a collective one and not that of the National Sports Commission alone.
The coach called on state handball associations and HFN board members to intensify efforts in sponsorship drive to ensure an eventful 2015.
“Stakeholders must sit up next year; they must go out there, approach individuals and corporate bodies for sponsorship, and solicit for aids to implement programmes.
“This is no time to just go and drop letters in companies; there should be a thorough follow-up; it is the enthusiasm they portray before prospective sponsors that will prompt positive responses,’’ he said.
Obi also urged handball coaches and players to endeavour to sharpen their skills in 2015.