Sports analysts in Nigeria have attributed the below average performance of the country’s male handball team in major meets on the continent and the world to the lack of technical know-how, concentration on football and poor welfare of the athletes.
This was made known by some Port Harcourt based sports analysts who were reacting to the 7th placed finish of Egypt at the 2021 world handball championship.
They also stressed that, even those who are saddled with the responsibility of marshalling the sports in the country are only concerned about what goes into their pocket.
The best outing by an African Nation at the world handball championship was a 4th place finish by Tunisia in 2005 and 7th placed finish by Egypt in 2021,for Nigeria her best outing was a 23rd finish when Egypt hosted in 1999.
The recent feat by Egypt following the quarter -final loss to champions Denmark via penalty after overtime is a pointer that while other Countries are passionate about developing other sports as football, analysts say in Nigeria it is a one way traffic for football.
Some however said the ineptitude of sports administrators is the reason why other sports are behind football in the country.
They emphasised on the need for government and administrators to be genuinely committed to the development of other sports because of the ripple effect it has on job creation, infrastructural and human capacity development.
The sports analysts also expressed optimism that with the right atmosphere and attitude to work, Nigeria can have a commanding presence on the continent and the world in handball as well as other sports.
Editor Paul Akhagbemhe
