Bosa Bunmi Busola, a dedicated player and captain of Delta Force, shared her journey and thoughts on the Ardova Handball Premier League Phase II, as well as the broader development of handball in Nigeria.
Busola has been with Delta Force for over ten years. “It has not been easy,” she remarked about the current phase of the Ardova Handball Premier League, acknowledging the team’s struggle in the first phase. “We came low, so we are trying to come up in this second phase here now. And with God, we are really coming up,” She told Sports247.
Despite the challenges, Delta Force has shown resilience in Phase II, winning four matches and aiming to secure their position above the relegation zone.
“At least we have picked about four matches that we won which we are still coming up. We are still expecting to win more because we are not going back to relegation,” she emphasized.
Currently, Delta Force sits in the eighth position on the league table. While Busola acknowledged that their primary goal is to avoid relegation, she remains hopeful about their potential to climb higher with upcoming matches.
“Right now, we are still on the eighth position,” she noted. “We are expecting to pick more points on Friday.”
Her focus is not solely on immediate victories but on ensuring the team remains competitive in the league. “It’s not about winning, it’s about securing a place, so you don’t go into relegation,” she added.
Busola highlighted the encouraging progress in handball’s grassroots development. “We just thank God because of these grassroots events coming up. It’s really encouraging now, unlike the olden days’ time.
It’s really encouraging and the way the players are coming up. It’s improving. It’s taking us higher,” she stated.
She noted significant improvements compared to previous years, with more players representing Nigeria internationally. This growth signifies the increasing recognition and potential of handball as a viable sport in the country.
“People are going outside country to represent Nigeria. That means there is growth in it as a handballer,” she added.
While appreciating the current advancements, Busola stressed the need for more robust support from the government.
“They need to do more, more and more to handballers because we need to still rise higher above where we are now. Things have not really gone well for us, so we still need more from them,” she insisted.
She believes that increased investment and attention are crucial for further elevating the sport. Busola also sees a future in handball beyond her playing career, aspiring to transition into coaching and mentoring the next generation of players.
“Even though I don’t even play as a player, as a coach, I should be able to give out what I have experienced through my playing period,” she explained.
Busola offered words of encouragement for upcoming players. She emphasized the importance of passion, knowledge, and continuous learning in handball. “I just see the game of handball as a fun game. “I really love it,” she said.
Her advice to young athletes is to see the game as more than just a physical challenge but as an opportunity to grow and achieve personal milestones.
“Make sure you pick something from it, for your better achievement and your future,” she concluded.
Bosa Bunmi Busola’s insights reflect the dedication and passion driving Delta Force and the broader handball community in Nigeria.
Her experience underscores the sport’s growth and the ongoing efforts needed to secure its future success.
