HFN Mourns First National Handball Coach of Nigeria, Coach Raymond Braimah
The Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) has expressed deep regrets over the passing of the first coach of the national handball teams of Nigeria, Coach Raymond Braimah, , who died on Monday, December 16, 2024.
Coach Braimah died peacefully after a brief illness surrounded by his family and close relations. He was 84 years old
Coach Raymond Braimah was one of the pioneers of the sport in Nigeria as he was employed as the first National Coach in 1973 immediately after the All Africa Games in Lagos wherein he was part of the coaching crew 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.
President of the Handball Federation of Nigeria, Mr. Samuel Ocheho, in his reaction to the sad news expressed shock and sadness at the passing of Coach Braimah who 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 while also noting that his son received his award on his behalf just a week ago.
“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 and 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.”
On behalf of the board of the Handball Federation of Nigeria and the entire Nigeria Handball family, Ocheho extends his 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: saying that his dedication to Nigerian handball will never be forgotten.
