A. U. ORIAKHI

The purpose of this research was to ascertain the comparative analysis of University of Benin aggression in sports and the expression among handball players. Descriptive survey research design was adopted to accomplish the objectives of the study. population of the study consisted of 120 handball players from the University of Benin. Ssample size of the study was made up of 72 handball players. The instrument for data collection was the questionnaire developed by the researcher and was validated by the researcher’s supervisor and two other experts from the Department of Human Kinetics and Sports Science. The data collected were analysed statistically using the statistical package of social sciences (SPSS) software, of frequency counts and percentages. The study revealed that there is positive as well as negative effects of the expression of aggression in sports. It was also discovered that there are ways to manage aggression for better performance. Finally, athletes should take parts in programs aimed at helping them reduce behavioural tendencies towards aggression

This study investigated the influence of mental toughness as correlates of athletic performance among student athletes in the University of Benin, Benin City. The study adopted a correlation research design. Four research questions were raised and four
hypotheses were formulated. The population for this study consisted 243 student-athletes currently enrolled at the University of Benin. The sample size of this study is 121 student athletes. The multiple sampling procedure was used to select student athletes. The research instrument for the study was a structured questionnaire made up of two sections, section A and section B. To establish the validity of the instrument, it underwent a rigorous review process by experts in the field of sports psychology in the department of human kinetics and sports science of the University of Benin . Pearson product moment correlation coefficient was used with multiple regression analysis to analyze the hypotheses tested at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of this research revealed that athletes with higher mental toughness tend to better than others with lower mental toughness. Concentration was also found to improve sports performance among student athletes of the University of Benin. Athletes who are self confident in
their skills and abilities tend to perform better than others who do not posses self confidence. Mental toughness was also found to increase sports performance irrespective of gender. In conclusion, this research has provided valuable insights into the relationship between mental toughness and athletic performance among student athletes of the University of Benin. The
results support the idea that enhancing mental toughness can lead to improved sports viii performance. Concentration and self- confidence were also found to be critical factors in the performance of student athletes. The research design, which employed a correlation approach, allowed for the examination of these relationships. Recommendations were made for coaches, athletes, and sports authorities that mental toughness training should be incorporated into the regular training programme of student athletes. These programs can help athletes develop the mental skills required to enhance their performance. Concentration and Self-Confidence Workshops should be provided to athletes with opportunities to attend workshops and psychology sessions focusing on concentration and self-confidence. These sessions can assist in strengthening these crucial aspects of mental toughness. Future research can explore additional psychological factors and their impact on athletic performance. Such as motivation, resilience and emotional control, investigating the effectiveness of various mental toughness training methods would also be beneficial.