HFN mourns 1st national handball coach, Raymond Braimah
By NEXTER
The Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) has announced the passing of the first coach of the national handball teams of Nigeria, Coach Raymond Braimah.
A statement by Cosmos Chukwuemeka Akisi, HFN Media Assistant on Friday, said Coach Braimah died after a brief illness on Monday, December 16, 2024 at the age of 84
The statement said Coach Raymond Braimah was one of the pioneers of the sport in Nigeria having been employed as the first National Coach in 1973 immediately after the All Africa Games in Lagos following his resignation from the Army.
“He was the coach of the national teams that participated in all international and national competitions in the 1970s and also the 80s
“Coach Braimah, who had his coaching training in Budapest, Hungary, in 1974, played a pivotal role in shaping the development of handball in the country. As a founding figure and mentor, his contributions to the growth of Handball in Nigeria is unmatched, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of players and coaches alike,” it stated.
The statement quoted the president of the Handball Federation of Nigeria, Mr. Samuel Ocheho, as describing the demise of the late coach as sad and shocking.
It said Coach Braimah was part of the legends of the 1970s team that were honoured recently by the Federation at the grand finale of the Ardova Handball Premier League 2024 phase 2 in Lagos.
“Coach Braimah’s passing is a devastating loss to the entire handball community and Nigerian sports at large. He was not just a coach but a key part of the fabric that defined handball in Nigeria” Ocheho said.
“Just last week, he was honoured – represented by his son—along with other legends of the 1970s national teams for their invaluable service to the sport. It is shocking that only a week after receiving this recognition, he has passed on.”
He extended HFN deepest condolences to the family of Coach Raymond Braimah, his loved ones, and the entire sporting community while also declaring that his legacy will continue to live on through the countless lives he impacted, and his dedication to Nigerian handball will never be forgotten.
