Kwara State Commissioner of Police, AIG Paul Odama, has expressed high hopes for the Cherubim and Seraphim First Pishon Handball Academy of Kwara, tipping them to become world beaters in Sweden.
During a send-off event held in his honor after his promotion to Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Odama participated in a novelty match hosted by the handball academy at the Kwara State Stadium.
Team Paul Odama emerged victorious, defeating Team Bolakale Magaji with a close score of 11 to 10 goals on the outdoor handball court. AIG Odama, a former member of the national handball team himself, showed his support for the squad by purchasing their uniforms and training gear.
Impressed by the talent and skill displayed by the teams, AIG Odama confidently stated, “With what I have seen of these teams, I can assure you that these boys and girls are world-beaters. Handball, over the years, has changed. In our days, it used to be about brute force. These days it is more of technicalities and sleekness, which I see in these players.”
The handball teams are set to depart for Sweden on Sunday to participate in the prestigious 2023 Partille Cup, a significant international competition they are eager to win. This annual championship in Sweden provides a platform for young players like those from C&S First Pishon to gain valuable exposure and experience.
Under the guidance of coach Emeka Joseph Nnamani, Chief Coach of the National U-18 handball team and a sergeant with the Nigerian Army, C&S First Pishon previously clinched victory at the 2022 National U-12 and U-15 Handball Championship held in Sokoto state.
Moni Makanjuola, a board member of the Kwara State Sports Commission and a member of Handball Association Kwara, expressed gratitude to AIG Odama for his support and acknowledged that the team’s achievements would not have been possible without his assistance. She remarked, “We are immensely grateful to you because we wouldn’t have achieved this much if you were not part of our story.”
As the handball academy heads to Sweden filled with determination, the young athletes have an opportunity to showcase their skills on an international stage, and their ambition, along with the support of AIG Odama and others, will undoubtedly contribute to their pursuit of success.
