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.

Celebrating an Enigma —
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.
International Participations
National Championships
Coaches & Referees Trained
Countries Engaged in Tournaments
Sports Federation to Go Digital
Most Improved Federation
Discover his path
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
The invitational draws clubs from across Nigeria and neighbouring nations — a footprint that foreshadowed continental leadership.
Samuel Ocheho
President of the Handball Federation of Nigeria — two terms of vision, service, and impact.
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
Born 17 June 1971 · Professional banker
A leader whose credibility, humility, and philanthropy left a lasting mark on players, officials, and communities across Nigeria.
Governance
Executive board composition across President Ocheho’s two terms in office.
| # | Name | Portfolio / representation |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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
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.
The future is brighter. The legacy continues.
Presidency impact
Measurable shifts across digital adoption, league culture, commercial alignment, and Nigeria's footprint on the world stage.
Zero online presence to a digital Federation
Zero academies participation in HFN events to academies becoming league champions
8 solid years of league-titled sponsorships
First and only 39-seater coaster HFN bus
Introduced two-phased league
Highest league prize money
Highest subsidy amount
Free jerseys to league teams for 8 years
Produced four pairs of referees officiating internationally
Consistently brought Africa chief referee to be part of our league
Introduced the concept of foreign refs officiating our leagues
First president to hold a board retreat
Sponsorship deal with Prudent Energy
League sponsorship deal with Ardova
U12/15 sponsorship deal with Sokoto State Government
National Division One sponsorship deal with Edo State Government
Participated at the following World Championships:

Youth World Championship for Men

Youth World Cup for Women

Junior World Cup for Men
All three world championships had zero sponsorship from government.
Programme archive
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.
Highlights of events and activities (2021–2025)
One of the significant achievements during this tenure was the launch of the new HFN logo in 2018. Other major accomplishments include:
| Season | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Niger United | Plateau Peacocks |
| 2019 | Kano Pillars | Safety Babes |
| 2020 | Safety Shooters | Kwara Adorables Angels |
| 2021 | Kano Pillars | Safety Babes |
| 2022 | Kano Pillars | Safety Babes |
| Season | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Niger United | Safety Babes |
| 2024 | Tojemarine Academy | Safety Babes |
Certification of coaches in IHF Licence A, B, C and D courses
| S/N | Name | Licence |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Salami Sulu Rafi’u | A |
| 2 | Abdulkadir Yusuf Ibrahim | B |
| 3 | Michael Tangahar | B |
| 4 | Solomon Yola Martins | B |
| 5 | Obi Uzo Fidelis | B |
| 6 | Uzor Aziakpono John | B |
| 7 | Nwankwo Innocent Chukwuma | B |
| 8 | Shitu Adewale Olumide | C |
| 9 | Duru Olubukola Anne | C |
| 10 | Abdulhakim Yakubu | C |
| 11 | Kabiru Rabiu | C |
| 12 | David Emmanuel | C |
| 13 | Manu Aliyu Christopher | C |
| 14 | Augustine Sunday | C |
| 15 | Udale Joseph Haruna | C |
| 16 | Olajide Olumuyiwa | C |
| 17 | Akinsanya Akintunde Michael | C |
| 18 | Serumun Ezekiel | C |
| 19 | Ahmed Yusuf Ismail | C |
Coach licence register (category C)
| S/N | Name | Category |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | Dada Aliyu Talle | C |
| 21 | Cole Olatunde Joshua | C |
| 22 | Ajana Sunday Remi | C |
| 23 | Ayo Joshua Olubato | C |
| 24 | Yakubu Tonga Wuyep | C |
| 25 | Enyioko Ozioma Peace | C |
| 26 | Segun Tunji | C |
| 27 | Gabriel Odo Ode | C |
| 28 | Agubata Bright Ogochukwu | C |
| 29 | Yohanna Daniel | C |
| 30 | Ms Nanchin Sunday Dakum | C |
| 31 | Akande Michael | C |
| 32 | Sulaiman Abdullahi | C |
| 33 | Momosani Adejo | C |
| 34 | Mrs Edith Anum-Oku | C |
| 35 | Adeoye Adediran Oluwafemi | C |
| 36 | Abdulrasheed Abdulsalam | C |
Coach licence register (category D)
| S/N | Name | Category |
|---|---|---|
| 37 | Akam Oluchi Doris | D |
| 38 | Anthony Emeka | D |
| 39 | Chima Mary Nwachukwu | D |
| 40 | Osemwengie Elvis Osayekemwen | D |
| 41 | Eucharia Ifeoma Udeh | D |
| 42 | Godah Keziak Swatkash | D |
| 43 | Kingsley Helen Charles | D |
| 44 | Ihom Godwin Aondoseer | D |
| 45 | Kelvin Kuma Aikor | D |
| 46 | Nankpak Christopher Lafum | D |
| 47 | Nosa-Odia Isoken | D |
| 48 | Ofoma Nwanyi-Sunday Monica | D |
| 49 | Taiwo Joshua Aogo | D |
| 50 | Godwin Aondohemba Tondo | D |
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.
To God be the glory.
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:
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
| S/N | Name | Sex | Club | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Faruk Yusuf | Male | LH Handball Limoges | France |
| 2 | Ani Obinna | Male | GRK Tikvies 2014 | Macedonia |
| 3 | Joseph Gbawuan | Male | ASPAC | Benin Republic |
| 4 | Daniel Bello | Male | — | Benin Republic |
| 5 | Salami Hakeem Damilare | Male | ADIDJA HC | Benin Republic |
| 6 | Solomon Michael Agbaji | Male | ASPAC | Benin Republic |
| 7 | Dikko Ibrahim | Male | ADIDJA HC | Benin Republic |
| 8 | Iortyer Sesugh Stephen | Male | ASPAC HC | Benin Republic |
| 9 | Olaye Osamwonyi Mathew | Male | — | Benin Republic |
| 10 | Mohammed Abbas | Male | ASPAC | Benin Republic |
| 11 | Cole Gbenga Tobi | Male | Raja Agadir HC | Morocco |
| 12 | Rotibi Victor Gbenga | Male | — | Benin Republic |
| 13 | Sunday Samson | Male | Adidja HC | Benin Republic |
| 14 | Adamolugbe Oladunjoye Babatunde | Male | The First Party, Doha | Qatar |
| 15 | Dele Kelven Gbenga | Male | Hapoel Arad HC | Israel |
| 16 | Igwekire Joseph | Male | Kur Azerbaijan Sport Club | Azerbaijan |
| 17 | Atabo Abubakar Sunday | Male | Kur Azerbaijan Sport Club | Azerbaijan |
| 18 | Sulaimon Azeez Olaitan | Male | Limoges Handball Club | France |
| 19 | Nwaiwu Patrick Obinna | Male | Hapoel Holon HC | Israel |
| 20 | Ojo Olumide Oluwagbenga | Male | ADIDJA HC | Benin Republic |
| 21 | Owolabi Ibrahim | Male | ADIDJA HC | Benin Republic |
| 22 | Akinlade Emmanuel | Male | — | Benin Republic |
| 23 | Anthony Ngbede Agada | Male | ASPAC | Benin Republic |
| 24 | Owolabi Ibrahim | Male | Flowers | Benin Republic |
| 25 | Ovetuo Rachael Sharon | Female | — | Benin Republic |
| 26 | Nuhu Ashyahu Wuraola | Female | — | Benin Republic |
| 27 | Toyin Yusuf | Female | ADIDJA HC | Benin Republic |
| 28 | Faith Obehi | Female | ADIDJA HC | Benin Republic |
| 29 | Muhmud Aishat Alawuyan | Female | ADIDJA HC | Benin Republic |
| 30 | Favour Abdullahi | Female | Omnisports Modele | Benin Republic |
| 31 | Esther Mathew Ajuma | Female | ADIDJA HC | Benin Republic |
| 32 | Oparaugo Amarachi Victoria | Female | Holon Yuralin HC | Israel |
| 33 | Babatunde Kehinde Titilope | Female | ASPAC | Benin Republic |
| 34 | Bello Rahima | Female | HC Ness Ziona | Israel |
| 35 | Faidat Moradeke Adewole | Female | — | Israel |