Emeka Joseph Nnamani, the coach of the COAS Shooters handball team at the Phase II of the ardova Handball Premier League, spoke about the progress of his team and the development of handball in Nigeria.
Reflecting on the current season, Nnamani noted significant improvements compared to previous editions of the league. “Yeah, in all the editions of the league, we always see improvements.
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In this edition, you can see that we have a good floor for the league. And that is why you see most of the players can play well. The floor is okay. Every year, every season will come with new inventions,” he told Sports247.
Looking ahead to the next season, Nnamani expressed optimism about further advancements. “We are expecting that the next season will be more than this season.
As I said earlier, every year we see new inventions. So, I want to believe that even with the players, the way they play will change because of what we are having on the ground.”
Regarding the administrative aspect of the federation and the upcoming elections, Nnamani voiced his support for the current board. “Well, I just pray that Nigerians understand that the person that is there is working. I want to pray that they still leave the present board to continue.
With what is going on now, you tell me you want to bring on another person. I don’t think so. But if you leave the person that is there to continue his work, it’s good work. He’s doing very well. So, what are we looking for again? We are allowing him to continue with his good work.”
On the topic of grassroots development and the role of the national sports commission, Emeka Nnamani emphasized the importance of returning to grassroots initiatives.
“Well, if they understand and go back to grassroots, it is better for them. That’s the best because for now, the system has been corrupted. If we go back to grassroots, we will get the best from those grassroots. That is the best. That is what we used to have those days.
And that is why we have the best players. But we forget about the grassroots, and we just continue focusing on the head. But if we go back to grassroots, we will pick the best. Most of the players playing in this league just started in 2020. That is when we were under 12, under 15 in Sokoto, that’s where we have the bulk of players that are playing here now.”
Coach Nnamani’s team was able to fight and stay in the league as they narrowly missed relegation after they won their game against Plateau Peacocks yesterday.
