Nigeria’s U18 Women’s Handball Team is set to represent the continent in the International Handball Federation (IHF) Women’s Trophy Intercontinental Phase, scheduled to take place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
The team, under the guidance of Chief Coach Shittu Adewunmi Agboola, left Nigeria on Sunday, ready to compete against the best in the world.
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The IHF Women’s Trophy Intercontinental Phase is set to kick off on Wednesday.
The Nigerian team, current African champions in the IHF Trophy, have been undergoing intensive preparation for the competition at the National Institute of Sports at the National Stadium, Surulere.
Their rigorous training and dedication reflect their commitment to maintaining their champion status and representing Africa on the global stage.
Nigeria earned the right to represent the continent after triumphing over other African nations in the Africa Zone 3 tournament in Ghana and the continental phase in Ivory Coast last year.
Their victories in these tournaments have not only earned them a place in the Intercontinental Phase but have also cemented their status as one of the top teams in African handball.
Coach Shittu Adewunmi Agboola has released the final list of 14 players who will represent Nigeria in the tournament.
The team includes three sets of siblings who have been playing together in the national team for a while: the Babatunde twins from Seasider Babes of Lagos, the Mohammed sisters from Rima Queens of Sokoto, and the Samuel sisters who also play for Rima Queens.
Other players include Esther Matthew of Seasider Babes, Rahima Bello, and Amarachi Oparaugu, among others.
Nigeria has been placed in Group A alongside Guadeloupe and New Caledonia. They will begin their campaign against Guadeloupe on Wednesday.
The team’s composition and preparation indicate a strong determination to perform well in the tournament.
The final list of players for the IHF Women’s Trophy Intercontinental Phase includes:
1. Kehinde Babatunde
2. Rahima Bello
3. Taiwo Babatunde
4. Chidera Ogbusimba
5. Munira Kasimu
6. Akinlade Damilola
7. Amina Mohammed
8. Igbinedion Blessing
9. Esther Mathew
10. Prudence Samuel
11. Amarachi Oparaugo
12. Precious Samuel
13. Munira Mohammed
14. Joan Okolo
The team’s officials include Chief Coach Agboola Shittu Adewunmi, Assistant Coach Kayode Ayo-Idowu, and Assistant Coach Manual Diepreye.
As the Nigerian U18 Women’s Handball Team embarks on this journey, they carry with them the hopes and expectations of a nation.
Their participation in the IHF Women’s Trophy Intercontinental Phase is not just about winning matches; it’s about showcasing the talent and potential of Nigerian handball on the global stage.
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