Chairman of the Enugu State Handball Association, Chief Emmanuel Onyebuchi Asogwa, has expressed strong confidence in Team Enugu’s chances at the 2025 National Sports Festival, Gateway Games, scheduled to take place from May 16 to 30 in Ogun State.
Enugu qualified for the Gateway Games after a solid showing at the South East zonal eliminations held weeks ago. The male team battled past Abia 28-24 in a closely contested match and went on to record a dominant 29-15 win over Anambra to secure their ticket.
Speaking to sports journalists in Enugu, where the team is currently in camp ahead of their departure, Chief Asogwa praised the state’s preparation and support.
“We are doing well, the athletes have been in camp for the past few days. The state government has been amazing – they have paid the participation fee, accreditation, transportation, canvass, and T-shirts,” he said.
He also highlighted the efforts of the Enugu State Handball Association in creating team identity and visibility. “On the part of the Handball Association, we have printed branded T-shirts showing ‘Enugu Handball’.”
READ MORE:AFCON U-20: Nigeria’s Flying Eagles edge Senegal to secure World Cup place
Asogwa emphasized that the team is not merely going to Ogun to make up the numbers, but to compete with intent.
“We’re still looking out for partnership. We’re representing the male team in the South East. We’re not going there to participate for participation’s sake – we’re looking for a medal in preparation for the next National Sports Festivals,” he stated.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
During the zonal elimination, players were supported with allowances increased from N38,000 to N40,000. The chairman revealed that more incentives are being planned to motivate the team even further.
“In terms of motivation, we intend to add more than what we did in the zonal elimination,” he said.
Chief Asogwa, who has shown interest in the South East Vice President role in the Handball Federation of Nigeria, continues to position Enugu as a stronghold of the sport in the region.
