As the IHF Trophy Africa Zone 3 Phase looms closer, Nigeria’s under-18 and under-20 men’s handball teams are gearing up for their journey to Accra, Ghana, with the final squad lists now unveiled.
Scheduled to commence from February 20th to the 24th, 2024, at the Borteyman Multipurpose Sports Hall in Accra, the tournament promises fierce competition among nations within the region.
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Under the guidance of their respective coaches, Emeka Nnamani for the under-18 team and Fidelis Obi for the under-20 team, both squads have undergone rigorous training at the Rowe Park Sports Center in Yaba, Lagos, to prepare for the challenge ahead.
The final selections have been made, with fourteen players chosen for each category.
Among those selected, several players from prominent academies and clubs have earned their spots, showcasing the depth of talent within Nigeria’s handball scene.
In the under-18 category, players such as Kareem Faruk, Sulaiman Azeez, and Obabori Samuel from Tojemarine Academy stand ready to represent their nation.
Meanwhile, the under-20 squad includes talents like Shagari John from Niger United and Mukaila Fuad Gbolaham from Tojemarine Lagos, among others.
The tournament format will see both teams competing in a round-robin structure, with the under 18 team facing challenges from Benin Republic, Ghana, and Togo, while the under-20 team will battle against Benin Republic, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia, and Togo.
Nigeria’s campaign kicks off on Tuesday, with the under-18 team facing Benin Republic at 2 pm Nigeria time, followed by the under-20 team’s clash against Liberia at 8 pm.
The teams will not only vie for victory but also aim to showcase their skills and talent, with hopes of catching the eye of scouts for future opportunities in the sport.
As the squads embark on this journey, they carry with them the hopes and aspirations of a nation, aiming to make their mark on the continental stage and bring glory to Nigerian handball.
The officials accompanying the teams include Head Coach Nnamani Joseph Emeka and Assistant Coach Ayo Joshua for the under-18 team, while Coach Fidelis Obi leads the under-20 team with Assistant Coach Innocent Nwankwo by his side.
