Samuel Ojonugwa Ocheho — official portrait

Celebrating an Enigma —

Samuel Ocheho's

Tenure as President, Handball Federation of Nigeria (2017–2025)

From grassroots arenas to continental podiums—visionary stewardship that modernized federation operations and expanded Nigerian handball’s reach across Africa.

0+

International Participations

0+

National Championships

0+

Coaches & Referees Trained

0+

Countries Engaged in Tournaments

First

Sports Federation to Go Digital

CAHB

Most Improved Federation

Discover his path

His journey

Though a banker by profession — a life given to handball

Though a banker by profession, Samuel Ocheho is a revered name in Nigerian and African handball, well known for his selfless support for the development of Lagos handball teams. His journey began with consistent sponsorship of the Samuel Ocheho Handball Invitational Tournament, which has run for over a decade and draws participation from teams across Nigeria and West Africa, including Ghana, Benin Republic, and Togo.

A former board member of HFN and a member of the CAHB Education & Development Commission during the late Alhaji Yusuf Dauda’s Presidency, Mr. Ocheho was propelled to leadership by popular demand from the handball community.

In 2017, he was elected as the 6th/7th President of HFN. Immediately, he convened a 2-day board retreat in Abuja (July 27–29, 2017), setting a tone of excellence and preparation. Secured funding for all the Nations Cup camping and participation, covering both local and international preparations in Libreville, Gabon.

Roots & reach

Invitational tournament · West Africa

GhanaBenin RepublicTogo

The invitational draws clubs from across Nigeria and neighbouring nations — a footprint that foreshadowed continental leadership.

2017 — A decisive start
  • Elected6th/7th President of the Handball Federation of Nigeria
  • 27–29 Jul2-day board retreat in Abuja — excellence and preparation
  • 2018Secured funding for all the Nations Cup camping & participation — including preparations in Libreville, Gabon

Samuel Ocheho

Mr. Samuel Ojonugwa Ocheho

President of the Handball Federation of Nigeria — two terms of vision, service, and impact.

2017 — 2025 · 8 yearsKogi StateUniversity of Jos“Digital President”

Fondly known as “Toje” among close associates, he was born on June 17, 1971, and hails from Kogi State. He is an accomplished banking professional and seasoned executive with a distinguished career spanning leadership, financial markets, and strategic management.

Mr. Ocheho was widely referred to as the “Digital President” because under his leadership, the Handball Federation of Nigeria became the first sports federation in Nigeria to fully embrace technology.

He is an alumnus of INSEAD — globally recognized as one of the world’s leading business schools — as well as the University of Jos, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. A respected professional banker with extensive industry experience, he is widely regarded for his strategic insight, executive competence, and commitment to excellence.

Beyond the corporate world, he is an avid sports enthusiast with a deep passion for handball. His commitment to sports development saw him serve as President of the Handball Federation of Nigeria from 2017 to 2025, during which he played a significant role in advancing the growth and profile of the sport in Nigeria.

A devoted family man, he is happily married and blessed with three sons.

Samuel Ojonugwa Ocheho

Samuel Ojonugwa Ocheho

Born 17 June 1971 · Professional banker

Known as “Mr. Sam”

A leader whose credibility, humility, and philanthropy left a lasting mark on players, officials, and communities across Nigeria.

Governance

Highlights of the HFN board members

Executive board composition across President Ocheho’s two terms in office.

  • 1. Mr. Samuel Ocheho

    President

  • 2. Barr. Kwashi Thompson

    Vice President

  • 3. Madam Halima A. Benjamin

    North Central

  • 4. Hon. Umar F. Hammanjoda

    North East

  • 5. Alh. Musa Hamza

    North West

  • 6. Sir Onyii Wamah

    South East

  • 7. Sir Emeanaa Ferdinand

    Technical Rep

  • 8. Udale Joseph Haruna

    Athletes Representative

  • 9. DCC. Zubairu Mato

    Institutional

  • 10. Dr. (Mrs.) Esther Oluwatoyin Aluko

    International

  • 11. Late Alh. Yusuf Dauda

    NAPHER-SD

  • 12. Madam Kanjuni Olufunke

    NAWIS

  • 13. Late Alh. Abubakar Ahmed

    Philanthropist

A Legacy of Service, Excellence & Transformation

Across eight purposeful years, stewardship blended discipline with innovation—investing in people, upgrading systems, and amplifying Nigerian handball on the global circuit.

Thank you, Mr. Sam, for 8 Years of Remarkable Leadership!

The future is brighter. The legacy continues.

Presidency impact

Transformation, partnerships & global representation

Measurable shifts across digital adoption, league culture, commercial alignment, and Nigeria's footprint on the world stage.

League & federation excellence

Digital first

Zero online presence to a digital Federation

Academy rise

Zero academies participation in HFN events to academies becoming league champions

8 years

8 solid years of league-titled sponsorships

39-seater

First and only 39-seater coaster HFN bus

Two-phase

Introduced two-phased league

Top prize

Highest league prize money

Top subsidy

Highest subsidy amount

8 years

Free jerseys to league teams for 8 years

4 pairs

Produced four pairs of referees officiating internationally

Africa chief

Consistently brought Africa chief referee to be part of our league

Foreign refs

Introduced the concept of foreign refs officiating our leagues

First retreat

First president to hold a board retreat

Sponsorships & partnerships

5 years

Sponsorship deal with Prudent Energy

3 years

League sponsorship deal with Ardova

3 years

U12/15 sponsorship deal with Sokoto State Government

3 years

National Division One sponsorship deal with Edo State Government

World Championship participation

Participated at the following World Championships:

North Macedonia flag
North Macedonia

Youth World Championship for Men

China flag
China

Youth World Cup for Women

Spain flag
Spain

Junior World Cup for Men

All three world championships had zero sponsorship from government.

Programme archive

Highlights of events & activities (2017–2025)

The period was filled with activities. Under President Samuel Ocheho, the Federation executed local and international programmes recognised by CAHB and IHF.

CAHB won the award for the “most improved continental body,” owing in large part to Nigeria's activities under Mr. Ocheho's leadership. Bravo!

Below are notable events organised by the HFN during his two-term tenure.

2017 — 2020

2017

  • Inauguration of the HFN Board on July 21, 2017.
  • First HFN Board retreat held in Abuja, July 27–30, 2017.
  • IHF Elective Congress held in Antalya, Turkey.

2018

January

  • HFN Board Meeting in Lagos on January 6, 2018.
  • Men’s Senior Nations Cup in Libreville, Gabon.

February

  • IHF Ordinary Congress in Antalya, Turkey.

March

  • Men’s Junior and Cadet National Camping at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna.

April / May

  • IHF Challenge Trophy (Zone 3 Africa) for men’s junior and cadets in Niamey, Niger Republic.
  • National U-12/U-15 Handball Championship in Lagos.
  • Prudent Energy Handball Premier League (1st phase) at the National Stadium, Abuja.
  • HFN Board Meeting on May 5, 2018.

June

  • 4th Samuel Ocheho International Handball Invitational Tournament in Lagos.

July

  • National Coaching Clinic for handball coaches in Lagos.
  • National camping for women’s senior team at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.
  • Participation in the 3rd African Youth Games in Algeria.

August / September

  • IHF Challenge Trophy (continental phase) in Kigali, Rwanda.
  • National camping for female cadets (U-18 girls) in Abuja.
  • Participation of U-18 girls at the Zone 2 & 3 tournament in Côte d’Ivoire.
  • Men’s junior (U-20) national camping in Ilorin, Kwara State.
  • Cadet (U-18) national camping in Ilorin, Kwara State.
  • Men’s Junior Nations Cup in Marrakech, Morocco.
  • African Youth Championship in Marrakech, Morocco.
  • Final phase of the Prudent Energy Handball League in Lagos.
  • Launching of the new HFN logo.

October

  • 21st Ordinary Working Congress of the Confederation of African Handball (CAHB) in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

2019

February / March

  • IHF Challenge Trophy (Zone III Africa – female cadets).
  • Coaching / refereeing clinic in Lagos.
  • National U-18/21 (male and female) Handball Championship in Lagos.

April

  • IHF Challenge Trophy international phase in Kosovo.
  • African Games zonal elimination in Burkina Faso.
  • 1st phase of the Prudent Energy Handball Premier League.

June

  • 3rd Emerging Nations Cup in Georgia.

July

  • Zone 2 & 3 tournament (men) in Togo.
  • IHF Challenge Trophy continental phase (female) in Guinea.
  • IHF Congress in Sweden.
  • Men’s Junior U-21 World Cup in Spain (July 15–29, 2019).

August

  • World Youth U-19 Championship in Skopje, North Macedonia (August 6–18, 2019).

October

  • HFN Annual General Meeting in Lagos (October 9–11, 2019).
  • Final phase of the Prudent Energy Handball Premier League in Lagos (October 6–19, 2019).

November

  • National Division One League championship in Kaduna (November 10–22, 2019).

2020

January

  • Men’s Senior African Nations Cup in Tunisia (January 16–26, 2020).

February

  • National U-12/U-15 (male and female) Handball Championship in Sokoto State (February 29 – March 6, 2020).

May

  • Donation of ₦25,000 palliatives to each Premier League club by Prudent Energy & Services Ltd.

July

  • IHF Congress (virtual session with presidents and secretaries) on July 17, 2020.
  • Celebration of IHF Week with three-day webinar sessions ending July 19, 2020.

October / November

  • Consolidation edition of the Prudent Energy Handball Premier League in Abuja (October 30 – November 13, 2020).

Highlights of events and activities (2021–2025)

2021 — 2025

2021

February

  • National camping for the national cadet team in Abuja ahead of the Youth African Nations Championship in Morocco.

March

  • National U-18/21 (male and female) Handball Championship in Lagos (March 25 – April 1, 2021).

May

  • Closed camping for the Nigerian female senior handball team in Abuja ahead of the 24th Women’s Senior Africa Nations Cup in Cameroon.

2022

May

  • 1st phase of the Prudent Energy Handball Premier League in Abuja.

July

  • 25th Men’s Senior Africa Nations Cup in Cairo, Egypt.
  • National U-12 and U-15 championships in Sokoto, Sokoto State.

September

  • 7th National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State.

October

  • 2nd phase of the Prudent Energy Handball Premier League in Lagos, Lagos State.

November

  • IHF Trophy men’s U-18 and U-20 (Zone III Africa) in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
  • 21st National Sports Festival in Asaba, Delta State.

2023

January

  • IHF Trophy men’s continental phase in Brazzaville, Congo.

March

  • IHF Trophy men’s intercontinental phase in San José, Costa Rica.

April

  • IHF Trophy youth (women) Zone III Africa in Accra, Ghana.
  • 4th Emerging Nations Championship in Varna, Bulgaria.

June

  • 1st phase of the Ardova Handball Premier League in Benin City, Edo State.

July

  • National Division One League in Benin City, Edo State.

August

  • IHF Trophy U-18 women’s continental phase in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

September

  • 19th Women’s U-18 Youth Africa Nations Cup in Monastir, Tunisia.

November

  • 2nd phase of the Ardova Handball Premier League in Lagos, Lagos State.
  • National workshop for female coaches.

December

  • ANOCA Zone III Games in Lomé, Togo.

2024

January

  • 26th Men’s Senior Africa Nations Cup in Cairo, Egypt.

February

  • IHF Trophy U-18 and U-20 men’s Zone III Africa in Accra, Ghana.

March

  • IHF Trophy women’s intercontinental phase in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
  • 13th African Games in Accra, Ghana.

May

  • 1st phase of the Ardova Handball Premier League in Benin City, Edo State.
  • National anti-doping seminar for players and officials in Benin City, Edo State.

July

  • National Division One League in Benin City, Edo State.

August

  • 10th Women’s U-18 World Championship in Chuzhou, China.

November

  • IHF Trophy men’s U-18 continental phase in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

December

  • 2nd phase of the Ardova Handball Premier League in Lagos, Lagos State.

2025

March

  • 5th Emerging Nations Championship in Varna, Bulgaria.
  • IHF C-License coaching course in Abuja, Nigeria.
  • U-12 and U-15 national championships in Umuahia, Abia State.
  • IHF U-18 men’s intercontinental phase in Pristina, Kosovo.
  • IHF Trophy U-17 and U-19 women’s (Zone III Africa) in Accra, Ghana.

July

  • 1st phase of the Ardova Handball Premier League in Benin City, Edo State.

Achievements during his tenure from 2017–2025

One of the significant achievements during this tenure was the launch of the new HFN logo in 2018. Other major accomplishments include:

  1. Signed a 5-year renewable sponsorship deal with Prudent Energy & Services Limited for the National Handball Premier League, introducing a two-phase league format.
  2. Became the first federation to stream matches live on social media, beginning with the National Handball Premier League in 2018 on YouTube and Facebook.
  3. Built partnerships with over 100 media outlets across broadcast, print, and online platforms for wider programme visibility.

Summary of Prudent Energy PLC Premier League champions (2018–2022 seasons)

Prudent Energy Premier League Champions
SeasonMaleFemale
2018Niger UnitedPlateau Peacocks
2019Kano PillarsSafety Babes
2020Safety ShootersKwara Adorables Angels
2021Kano PillarsSafety Babes
2022Kano PillarsSafety Babes
  1. Sustained live streaming of the National Handball Premier League, attracting over 2 million global viewers and interest from IHF and CAHB.
  2. Secured a five-year renewable national team kitting partnership with OWU Sports Wear (effective from 2018).
  3. Closed a five-year partnership with Sokoto State Government to host the National U-12/U-15 (male/female) championships through 2022.
  4. Received a donation of a 30-seater coaster bus from Sokoto State Government (the first of its kind among Nigerian sports federations).
  5. Signed a new 3-year sponsorship deal with Ardova Group after the Prudent Energy term for continued Premier League support from 2022.

Summary of Ardova PLC Premier League champions (2023–2024 seasons)

Ardova Group Premier League Champions
SeasonMaleFemale
2023Niger UnitedSafety Babes
2024Tojemarine AcademySafety Babes
  1. Expanded and strengthened the Premier League through sponsor partnerships, establishing it among the best in Africa.
  2. Qualified two Nigerian national teams for the Jumia World Cup in Spain and the World Youth Championship in North Macedonia.
  3. Won the President Cup at the 26th African Nations Cup held in Cairo, Egypt (2024).
  4. Won bronze at the 13th African Games in Accra, Ghana (March 2024), another milestone since COJA 2003.
  5. Won bronze at the 19th Women's U-18 Africa Nations Championship in Monastir, Tunisia (September 2023), securing Nigeria's first qualification for a women's world championship.
  6. Finished third in Africa at both the Men's Junior/Cadet Nations Cup and African Youth Championships in Marrakech, Morocco (bronze medals).
  7. Won bronze with the female cadets (U-18 girls) at the Zone 2 & 3 Tournament in Cote d'Ivoire.
  8. Won bronze at the 3rd African Youth Games in Algeria (cadet team).
  9. Won bronze at the ANOCA Zone 3 Games in Lome, Togo (December 2023).
  10. IHF Challenge Trophy podium performance (2017–2025):
    1. Gold medal: Zone III Africa IHF Challenge Trophy (Men's Junior and Cadets), Niger Republic, April 2018.
    2. Gold medal: IHF Challenge Trophy continental title (male cadets and men's junior national teams).
    3. Gold medal: IHF Trophy U-18 Men's Continental Phase, Brazzaville, Congo, January 2023.
    4. Gold medal: IHF Trophy U-17 Women's Zone III Africa, Accra, Ghana, April 2023.
    5. Gold medal: IHF Trophy U-18 Women's Continental Phase, Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, August 2023.
    6. Gold medal: IHF Trophy Men's Zone III Africa, Accra, Ghana, March 2024.
    7. Gold medal: IHF Trophy U-18 Men's Continental Phase, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, November 2024.
    8. Gold medal: IHF Trophy U-17 Women's Zone III Africa, Accra, Ghana, March 2025.
    9. Silver medal: IHF Trophy U-18 Men's Intercontinental Phase, San Jose, Costa Rica, March 2023.
    10. Silver medal: IHF Trophy U-18 Women's Intercontinental, Tashkent, Uzbekistan, March 2024.
    11. Bronze medal: Intercontinental IHF Trophy in Kosovo with the National Youth Team, April 2024.
  11. Promotion of coaches' and referees' education and licensing: President Samuel Ocheho's administration advanced technical capacity-building in Nigerian handball. Prior to this tenure, all Nigerian CAHB/IHF referees had retired. Through sustained investment, a new generation earned CAHB badges, while several coaches were upgraded and certified with CAHB Licenses A, B, C, and D.

Certification of coaches in IHF Licence A, B, C and D courses

IHF coach licence certification
S/NNameLicence
1Salami Sulu Rafi’uA
2Abdulkadir Yusuf IbrahimB
3Michael TangaharB
4Solomon Yola MartinsB
5Obi Uzo FidelisB
6Uzor Aziakpono JohnB
7Nwankwo Innocent ChukwumaB
8Shitu Adewale OlumideC
9Duru Olubukola AnneC
10Abdulhakim YakubuC
11Kabiru RabiuC
12David EmmanuelC
13Manu Aliyu ChristopherC
14Augustine SundayC
15Udale Joseph HarunaC
16Olajide OlumuyiwaC
17Akinsanya Akintunde MichaelC
18Serumun EzekielC
19Ahmed Yusuf IsmailC

Coach licence register (category C)

Coach licence category C
S/NNameCategory
20Dada Aliyu TalleC
21Cole Olatunde JoshuaC
22Ajana Sunday RemiC
23Ayo Joshua OlubatoC
24Yakubu Tonga WuyepC
25Enyioko Ozioma PeaceC
26Segun TunjiC
27Gabriel Odo OdeC
28Agubata Bright OgochukwuC
29Yohanna DanielC
30Ms Nanchin Sunday DakumC
31Akande MichaelC
32Sulaiman AbdullahiC
33Momosani AdejoC
34Mrs Edith Anum-OkuC
35Adeoye Adediran OluwafemiC
36Abdulrasheed AbdulsalamC

Coach licence register (category D)

Coach licence category D
S/NNameCategory
37Akam Oluchi DorisD
38Anthony EmekaD
39Chima Mary NwachukwuD
40Osemwengie Elvis OsayekemwenD
41Eucharia Ifeoma UdehD
42Godah Keziak SwatkashD
43Kingsley Helen CharlesD
44Ihom Godwin AondoseerD
45Kelvin Kuma AikorD
46Nankpak Christopher LafumD
47Nosa-Odia IsokenD
48Ofoma Nwanyi-Sunday MonicaD
49Taiwo Joshua AogoD
50Godwin Aondohemba TondoD

Challenges and setbacks

Despite the accomplishments, the HFN board under Mr. Ocheho has grappled with significant financial constraints. Most programmes were funded through personal donations, borrowed resources, and sporadic grants with minimal government funding.

  • Indeed, most persistent challenges throughout President Ocheho’s tenure were inadequate funding. This financial constraint limited the full realisation of many well-intentioned and strategic plans, particularly those focused on the development of coaches, referees, and the various tiers of national handball teams.
  • Sponsorship limitations also affected the availability of facilities and equipment, which are essential for the proper organisation of competitions across various zones and regions. This, in turn, slowed the expansion of grassroots handball development.
  • A further challenge that cannot go unmentioned was the negative influence of internal opposition. Certain individuals, driven by personal pride, resorted to petitions and legal battles in an attempt to derail the Federation’s progress. Despite these distractions, President Ocheho remained focused, resilient, and undeterred, drawing strength and wisdom to stay committed to his vision and mandate.

To God be the glory.

Conclusion

For emphasis, it is important to highlight that apart from the sponsorship support received for the Premier League, over 70–80% of all other Federation activities, both national and international, were funded through the personal efforts and resources of President Samuel Ocheho.

Throughout his tenure, the day-to-day affairs of the HFN Secretariat were managed by committed and capable administrative personnel whose contributions were pivotal to the Federation’s success. These individuals include:

  • Mohammed H. Maigidansanma (Secretary General, 2017–2022)
  • Umar A. Lambu (Secretary General, 2022–2025)
  • Monica Otumala (Secretary General, 2025)
  • Evelyn Anikushe (A.SG)
  • Friday Solomon (ASG)
  • Diepriye Manuel (ASG)
  • Olufunke M. Kwaghbula (Admin Staff)
  • Nifemi James (P.A to the President)
  • Late Iwo Omaba (FRSC)
  • Issah Adamu (NSCDC)
  • Suleiman Yahaya (NSCDC)
  • Cosmos A. Chukwuemeka (Media Officer)
  • Ugbede S. Ahmed (Head of ICT)
  • Uthman Ola Okunnu (Special Adviser)

Mr. Samuel Ocheho’s administration will be remembered as a remarkable and transformative era. His tenure featured seamless yearly programmes spanning grassroots competitions (U-12/U-15), Division One League, the Premier League, and the consistent promotion of national teams, coaches, and referees with significant strides in capacity building at the regional, national, and continental levels.

Consequently, one of the most notable legacies of his leadership is the increased international transfer of Nigerian handball players, who moved to clubs across Africa and Europe in search of greener pastures. These overseas exposures helped to raise the experience and performance standards of the Nigerian senior national handball team.

Exodus of Nigerian handball players on international transfers during Ocheho’s reign as President, Handball Federation of Nigeria

International player transfers
S/NNameSexClubCountry
1Faruk YusufMaleLH Handball LimogesFrance
2Ani ObinnaMaleGRK Tikvies 2014Macedonia
3Joseph GbawuanMaleASPACBenin Republic
4Daniel BelloMaleBenin Republic
5Salami Hakeem DamilareMaleADIDJA HCBenin Republic
6Solomon Michael AgbajiMaleASPACBenin Republic
7Dikko IbrahimMaleADIDJA HCBenin Republic
8Iortyer Sesugh StephenMaleASPAC HCBenin Republic
9Olaye Osamwonyi MathewMaleBenin Republic
10Mohammed AbbasMaleASPACBenin Republic
11Cole Gbenga TobiMaleRaja Agadir HCMorocco
12Rotibi Victor GbengaMaleBenin Republic
13Sunday SamsonMaleAdidja HCBenin Republic
14Adamolugbe Oladunjoye BabatundeMaleThe First Party, DohaQatar
15Dele Kelven GbengaMaleHapoel Arad HCIsrael
16Igwekire JosephMaleKur Azerbaijan Sport ClubAzerbaijan
17Atabo Abubakar SundayMaleKur Azerbaijan Sport ClubAzerbaijan
18Sulaimon Azeez OlaitanMaleLimoges Handball ClubFrance
19Nwaiwu Patrick ObinnaMaleHapoel Holon HCIsrael
20Ojo Olumide OluwagbengaMaleADIDJA HCBenin Republic
21Owolabi IbrahimMaleADIDJA HCBenin Republic
22Akinlade EmmanuelMaleBenin Republic
23Anthony Ngbede AgadaMaleASPACBenin Republic
24Owolabi IbrahimMaleFlowersBenin Republic
25Ovetuo Rachael SharonFemaleBenin Republic
26Nuhu Ashyahu WuraolaFemaleBenin Republic
27Toyin YusufFemaleADIDJA HCBenin Republic
28Faith ObehiFemaleADIDJA HCBenin Republic
29Muhmud Aishat AlawuyanFemaleADIDJA HCBenin Republic
30Favour AbdullahiFemaleOmnisports ModeleBenin Republic
31Esther Mathew AjumaFemaleADIDJA HCBenin Republic
32Oparaugo Amarachi VictoriaFemaleHolon Yuralin HCIsrael
33Babatunde Kehinde TitilopeFemaleASPACBenin Republic
34Bello RahimaFemaleHC Ness ZionaIsrael
35Faidat Moradeke AdewoleFemaleIsrael