*My Mission Is to Discover Future Handball Champions — Bolaji Ojuola*

*My Mission Is to Discover Future Handball Champions — Bolaji Ojuola*

Former Nigerian international handball player, Bolaji Ojuola, has reaffirmed his commitment to grassroots development in the sport, declaring that his mission is to discover and nurture future handball champions.

Ojuola made this known while speaking with journalists during the First Late Babatunde Olusegun Ojuola Oyo and Osun Inter-State Secondary Schools U-12 Handball Competition, held at the Lekan Salami Stadium Handball Court, Adamasingba, Ibadan.

The tournament, sponsored by the Wise Men Association, was organised in honour of Ojuola’s late father, Babatunde Olusegun Ojuola, whom he described as the pioneer coach of handball in Oyo State.

According to him, the late coach played a major role in shaping the state’s handball history, having trained several ex-international players as well as many active coaches currently contributing to the sport across Nigeria.

“My mission is to discover future handball champions. This competition is designed to catch them young, nurture them, and help them grow into international players,” Ojuola said.

He explained that the U-12 competition is part of a broader developmental vision, noting that similar grassroots tournaments have already been held across several South-West states.

Ojuola added that the inclusion of Oyo and Osun states in the current edition is a deliberate step toward expanding the initiative, with plans already in motion to organise a larger competition that will feature all six South-West states.

He also revealed plans to establish a handball academy, saying he has held discussions with Mr. Adeyemi George, popularly known as Osawe, on the need for sponsorship to sustain the programme.

Ojuola stressed that maintaining the momentum of the initiative requires strong financial backing, while reaffirming his readiness to continue driving handball development at the grassroots.

He wished the participating schools success and encouraged the young players to remain disciplined and committed to training.

The schools that participated in the competition include Ibadan Grammar School, Ibadan; Ilora Baptist Grammar School, Oyo; Ilesa Grammar School, Ilesa; and Christ African Church Grammar School, Osogbo.

*Credit Source: Ifeoluwa Ayodele Ogunlola, Da Tumite News*