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Handball President Jibril Saidu Ojih Explains Reasons Behind Introduction Of Transfer Fees For Nigerian Players
Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) president, Jibril Saidu Ojih has come out with an elaborate explanation of reasons behind the body’s decision to introduce transfer fees in the country, with a view that it will bring an orderly approach to how players move from one club to another.
Sports247 reports that Ojih’s explanation comes hot on the heels of a media statement about the HFN’s decision to introduce a new fee of ₦250,000 for transfers and loans involving a player from one Nigerian handball club to another within the country or internationally, with effect from the 1st of November.
Ojih stated in a circular he personally signed that the new policy is aimed at ensuring proper documentation of transfers, protecting clubs that invest in players’ development and bringing Nigeria in line with regulations of the International Handball Federation (IHF) and Confederation of African Handball (CAHB).
He added that the directive applies to clubs in Nigeria Handball Premier League, National Division One, state associations, the military, para-military and academies across the country, for domestic and international transfers as well as loans for male and female amateur and professional players.
The HFN president expatiated, “Under the new policy, a club signing a player from another Nigerian club must pay a transfer fee of ₦250,000 to cover administrative charges and compensation for player development. Of the amount, ₦100,000 will go to the HFN as administrative charges, while ₦150,000 will be paid to the club releasing the player.
“The same fee applies to loans between Nigerian clubs for each season, with loans limited to one season but renewable. The policy became necessary following an observation that several local and international transfers involving Nigerian players were being conducted without proper procedures.
“(They lacked) the involvement of licensed agents or compensation for clubs responsible for training and developing the players. Such practices are contrary to Article 9 of the IHF Regulations, Edition of June 4, 2025, which addresses compensation and the protection of minors.
“The new rules also provide additional compensation for clubs that have invested in players over a period of time. A club that trains a player for at least two consecutive seasons will be entitled to an additional ₦100,000 for each season of training if the player is transferred as a professional for the first time.”
Sports247 reports further that Ojih also clarified that a player receiving match bonuses exceeding ₦50,000 per month or holding a written employment contract will be regarded as a professional; hence a directive that all clubs should submit names of their professional players to the NHF by September 30 each year for inclusion in the IHF Transfer Management System (TMS).
HFN’s press officer and media commission vice-chairman, Cosmos Chukwuemeka Akisi added, “Another major provision of the policy is the compulsory use of licensed agents for all local and international player transfers and loans. Any transfer conducted without a licensed agent would be declared null and void.
“Under the prescribed procedure, a club seeking to sign a player must first send an official letter of interest to the player’s current club, with a copy to the HFN. The releasing club is then expected to issue a clearance letter, after which both clubs and the player will sign a tripartite agreement.
“Upon payment of the prescribed fee and submission of proof of payment, the HFN will issue a National Transfer Certificate and update the player’s records on the IHF Transfer Management System. No player will be allowed to register or play for a new club without the required certificate.
“For international transfers, no player may move to another club or federation without an International Transfer Certificate issued through the IHF Transfer Management System. All international transfer requests must be channelled through the HFN, as direct dealings between clubs without the Federation’s involvement are not permitted.
“International transfers involving players below the age of 16 are prohibited, while players aged 16 to 18 require IHF approval, alongside evidence that their academic and sporting welfare will be protected. All loans must also be supported by a three-party agreement specifying the duration of the arrangement.”
Sports247 also reports that the HFN warned that clubs and other stakeholders who fail to comply with the new policy will face strict sanctions, which include forfeiture of matches in which an ineligible player is fielded, with the offending team losing three points and 10 goals, as well as a non-negotiable fine of ₦500,000 and a ban from transfer activities for two windows.
The Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Kwara State, Abubakar Kabir Basambo, has resigned from the party, accusing some of its leaders of hypocrisy, dishonesty and double standards.
Basambo announced his decision in a resignation letter dated October 23, 2026, addressed to the state party chairman through the Magaji Are 1 ward chairman and the chairman of Ilorin East Local Government Area.
He said his decision followed careful consideration of the party’s direction in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the letter, Basambo criticised some party leaders and members of the state executive committee, accusing them of failing to practise the values they publicly claim to uphold.
“This decision was not taken lightly. After deep reflection, I can no longer cope with the direction the party is going in the state.
“There is so much hypocrisy, lies, and double standards amongst some party leaders and State Excos who parade themselves as loyal leaders,” he stated.
The former spokesman also criticised the party’s governorship candidate, Zakari Mohammed, alleging that his arrogance, alongside the conduct of some members, had contributed to his decision to leave.
He warned that the alleged behaviour of some party leaders could prevent the ADC from growing if it was not addressed.
“If this situation does not change, it will surely bring the party down. This party cannot grow with hungry and hypocritical people parading themselves as leaders,” he wrote.
Despite his departure, Basambo said he had no regrets about leaving the party, describing the decision as the end of his political journey with the ADC.
He also expressed disappointment that he would no longer be working with his political leader, Abubakar Kannike, whom he said he had grown to respect over the past year.
Basambo described Kannike as a man of honour and sincerity, adding that his regard for him would remain unchanged despite his resignation.
He also wished the state chairman, secretary and woman leader success in their respective positions.
While thanking those who supported him during his time in the party, he said he had no apology to offer to those who disliked him.
Basambo further clarified his meeting with the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Bolakale Kawu, insisting that it was not intended to work against the ADC.
“For the purpose of clarity and to exonerate myself from any anti-party allegation, my meeting with Mallam Bolakale Kawu was purely an act of brotherhood and that of a committed member trying to canvas for the party,” he stated.
He added that some ADC leaders had also been involved in similar activities privately.
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From Super-Sub to World Cup Superstar! Kanyinsola Yusuf Wins FIFA Player of the Match as Flamingos Stun North Korea 3-1
Nigeria’s teenage sensation Kanyinsola Yusuf has emerged as one of the standout performers at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco after winning the Player of the Match award in the Flamingos’ sensational 3-1 victory over defending champions North Korea on Friday.
The prestigious individual recognition crowned an unforgettable afternoon for Yusuf, whose second-half goal helped Nigeria dismantle the tournament favourites and secure a place in the Round of 16.
Yusuf struck in the 56th minute to give Nigeria a commanding three-goal advantage, completing a remarkable attacking display against opponents who had scored 12 goals in their opening two group matches.
Oluwakemi Adegbuyi had opened the scoring in the 15th minute before Oluebube Umejiaku doubled Nigeria’s lead in the 38th minute, leaving the defending champions stunned at half-time.
North Korea pulled a goal back through Yu Jong Hyang’s 82nd-minute penalty, but the Flamingos held firm to record a famous victory.
For Yusuf, the individual honour represents another significant moment in a rapidly developing World Cup campaign.
The youngster had already made an impact in Nigeria’s opening 2-1 defeat to Poland, coming off the bench and helping spark a late fightback, before playing her part in the team’s recovery.
Her emergence adds another exciting dimension to coach Akeem Busari’s squad, which has transformed its fortunes after beginning the tournament with defeat.
Nigeria followed that setback with a 2-0 victory over Puerto Rico before producing Friday’s stunning performance against the reigning champions.
Yusuf’s award also means Nigerian players have claimed the Player of the Match prize in consecutive victories, following Adegbuyi’s recognition against Puerto Rico.
With the Flamingos now through to the knockout stage, Yusuf’s growing influence could prove crucial as Nigeria chase a historic first title.
From an impact substitute against Poland to a match-winning star against North Korea, Yusuf is rapidly making her name on the world stage.
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