In preparation for the 23rd African Men’s Handball Cup of Nations, scheduled to take place in Egypt from January 19th to 29th, 2024, the Nigeria Men’s Handball National Team, known as the Golden Arrows, has initiated a rigorous training camp in Abuja.
The team, led by Coach Rafiu Salami and his assistant Coach Solomon Yola, is aiming for success in a challenging group that includes formidable opponents such as Tunisia, Angola, and Kenya.
The primary objective of the Golden Arrows is to secure qualification for the 2025 World Handball Championship, slated to be held in Croatia, Denmark, and Norway, as well as the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
With aspirations set high, the coaching staff has called upon twenty-seven players for an intensive training camp, commencing on Monday and under the interim guidance of Coach Solomon Yola until the arrival of Coach Rafiu Salami, who is currently based in France.
Among the key players summoned for the camp is Franklin BM Granollers of Spain player and team captain Obina Anih of Zenith St Petersburg in Russia, along with Yazid Kassim, the prominent centre-back from Niger United.
The team is set to embark on their 15th appearance at the Nations Cup, with their most notable performance dating back to 1998 in South Africa, where they secured a commendable fourth-place finish.
The Golden Arrows’ campaign in the Nations Cup kicks off with their opening match against Angola on January 17th, 2023. The coaching staff is optimistic about the team’s prospects, emphasizing the significance of this tournament in the pursuit of international glory.
Invited Players for the 23rd African Men’s Handball Cup of Nations:
Goalkeepers:
1. Olatunde Adamaolugbe
2. Michael Solomon Agbaji (ASPAC, Republic of Benin)
3. Obinna Okwor (Confluence Stars)
4. Samson Sunday Odeh (Adidja Handball Club, Benin Republic)
5. Abass Muhammed (Niger United)
Pivot:
6. Stephen Sessugh Iorter (ASPAC Handball Club, Benin Republic)
7. Dele Kelvin
8. Joseph Igwekere
9. Daniel Bello (Tojemarine Academy)
Left Back:
10. John Shagari (Niger United)
11. Odeh Joseph Gbawan (Bendel Dynamos)
12. Tahir Ahmad
13. Christian Folaki (Tojemarine Academy)
Right Back:
14. Yusuf Faruk (Franklin BM Granollers, Spain)
15. Obinna Anih (Zenit St Petersburg HC, Russia)
16. Rotibi Gbenga (Lagos Seasiders)
Center Back:
17. Ibrahim Dikko (Adidja Handball Club, Benin Republic)
18. Hakeem Salami (Adidja Handball Club, Benin Republic)
19. Yazid Kassim (Niger United)
20. Obinna Patrick
Right Wing:
21. Osamwonyi Mathew Olaye (Kano Pillars)
22. Azeez Suleiman (Tojemarine Academy)
23. Gbenga Cole
24. Seun Adeniji (Tojemarine Academy)
Left Wing:
25. Anas Muhammad (Niger United)
26. Andrew Ojo (Kano Pillars)
27. Kareem Ajibike (Tojemarine Academy)
28. Abubakar Ahmed (Sokoto Rima)
The meticulous selection of these players underscores the team’s commitment to assembling a formidable squad capable of achieving success on the continental stage.
