Coach Shittu Adewunmi Agboola has announced an 18-player squad for Nigeria’s U18 Women’s Handball Team as they prepare for the IHF Women’s U18 World Championship in Chuzhou, China.
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The tournament, set to take place in China from August 14 to 25, 2024, will feature Nigeria as one of four African representatives after their historic qualification at the Africa Women’s U18 Handball Nations Cup in Monastir, Tunisia last year.
The Nigerian team, known for their impressive performance in the IHF Trophy series where they finished second globally, is considered one of the most promising teams in the upcoming championship. The squad features a mix of returning stars and fresh talents, all poised to make a significant impact on the world stage.
Captains Esther Mathew and Taiwo Babatunde, along with her twin sister, headline the list of returning players. They are joined by the Munira sisters from Rima Queens of Sokoto and Oparaugo Amarachi of Imo Grasshoppers, adding experience and depth to the squad. Also notable are the Samuel sisters and Damilola Akinlade from Rivers Queens, highlighting the diverse talent pool from various Nigerian clubs.
Coach Shittu, expressing his gratitude on social media, dedicated the team’s success to the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) under the leadership of President Mr. Samuel Ocheho. He emphasized the team’s determination to excel in the championship, stating, “As we embark on this journey to the IHF Women’s U18 World Cup, with the Nigerian flag, hopes, and dreams of our fans behind us, we are fully motivated to deliver a memorable and remarkable tournament. We will give it our best shot and make Nigeria proud.”
The team’s preparation will commence on Sunday, July 14, 2024, at the Etete Indoor Sports Hall in Benin City, Edo State, where they will fine-tune their strategies and skills ahead of the global competition.
Invited Players for IHF Women’s U18 World Cup
Goalkeepers:
1. Samuel Precious (Sokoto Rima)
2. Babatunde Kehinde (ASPAC HBC)
3. Emmamuze Emuore (Delta Force)
Right Wing:
4. Onyekwere Lucy (Sokoto Rima)
5. Igbenedion Blessing (Delta Force)
Right Back:
6. Mathew Esther (Addija HBC)
7. Ogbusimba Chidera (Sokoto Rima)
Left Back:
8. Samuel Prudence (Sokoto Rima)
9. Babatunde Taiwo (Seasiders Babe)
10. Oparaugo Amarachi (Imo Grasshoppers)
Left Wing:
11. Muhammad Amina (Sokoto Rima)
12. Kasim Munira (Sokoto Rima)
13. Okolo Joan (Delta Force)
Center Back:
14. Bello Rahima (Sokoto Rima)
15. Opara Monica (Sokoto Rima)
16. Izuoba Ijeoma (Delta Force)
Pivots:
17. Akinlade Damilola (Rivers Queens)
18. Muhammad Munira (Sokoto Rima)
With a blend of seasoned players and emerging stars, the Nigerian U18 Women’s Handball Team is poised to make a strong impression at the IHF Women’s U18 World Championship. The nation’s hopes rest on their shoulders as they aim to showcase their talent and bring glory to Nigeria.
