Meet Saidu Jibril Ojih: The Handball President Driving Nigeria Towards Continental Glory
By Ohis Asein
The game of handball in Nigeria is witnessing a period of renewed ambition under the leadership of the President of the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN), Saidu Jibril Ojih, whose less-than-two-year tenure has already produced notable results on the continental and international stage.
A sports technocrat with a clear vision for the development of handball, Ojih has continued to push for greater competitiveness, improved structures and stronger performances by Nigeria’s national teams.
Among the achievements recorded under his leadership is Nigeria’s sixth-place finish at the African Handball Nations Cup in Kigali, a performance that provided valuable continental exposure for the national team.
Nigeria has also enjoyed success at the IHF African Zone 3 competitions, winning both the U-20 and U-18 Cadet titles, further demonstrating the growing strength of the country’s youth development programme.
At the senior women’s level, Nigeria finished third at the IHF Senior Women’s Zone 3 competition, while another major milestone came with the country’s qualification for the Junior World Cup in Macedonia.
For Ojih, however, these achievements are only the beginning.
The HFN President said his greatest ambition is to ensure that, before the end of his tenure, Nigeria becomes one of the leading handball nations in Africa and establishes itself as a respected force on the world stage.
He expressed optimism that with sustained investment, proper development programmes and the support of stakeholders, Nigerian handball can achieve even greater international recognition.
Ojih also commended the National Sports Commission (NSC) for its efforts in creating an environment where handball and other sports can continue to grow within Nigeria’s sports ecosystem.
According to him, collaboration between the HFN, the NSC, athletes, coaches and other stakeholders remains essential to building a sustainable future for the sport.
With youth teams winning continental titles, the senior teams making their presence felt and Nigeria securing qualification for a global junior competition, Ojih’s tenure is beginning to provide a new narrative for Nigerian handball.
The HFN President believes the ultimate target is not merely to participate in international competitions, but to build teams capable of competing with—and eventually standing among—the best in Africa and the world.
