Nigeria U-18, U-20 Men’s Handball Teams Intensify Preparations for IHF Trophy Africa Zone 3 in Togo

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Nigeria’s U-18 and 20 men’s handball teams have intensified preparations after spending several days in training camp ahead of the 2026 IHF Trophy Africa Zone 3 Tournament in Lomé, Togo.

The competition, organised by the International Handball Federation (IHF), is scheduled to hold from April 7 to 11, 2026, with April 6 designated as the official arrival day and April 12 as departure, according to official communication from the world body.

The Nigerian teams, who have been in camp for a while, are using the period to build team chemistry, sharpen tactics, and fine-tune strategies as they aim to compete strongly against other West African nations.

In the U-18 category, the coaching crew has assembled a balanced squad across all departments. Goalkeepers Shuaibu Muhammad (FRSC), Muhammad Lawal (Sokoto), and Friday Shuaibu (Abia) are expected to provide solidity at the back.

The centre back position includes Aliyu Rufai (Sokoto), Sani Muntari (Correctional), and Uba Ahmed (Airforce), while the left back role will be handled by Samuel Achema (Abia), Usman Umar (Sokoto), Obieze Akunebu (Tojemarine), and Godstime Michael (Adamawa).

Huzaifa Abdulkadir (Sokoto), Gana Abubakar (Suleja), and Lifeseed Ngam (Abia) will operate from the right back, while the wings feature Chikelu Chidebere (Suleja), Hamza Yahaya (Abia), and Mohammed Yahaya (Abia) on the left, alongside Umar Mohammed (Volcano Cotonou) and Prince John (Abia) on the right. Dominion Abukhare (Edo) and Akibu Mohammed (Sokoto) complete the roster in the centre line.

For the U-20 team, Attahiru Ab Sahabi and Obabori Samuel Aduralere have been listed as goalkeepers, with Ganiu Aduragbemi Emmanuel, Isyaka Mustapha, and David Mause covering the right back position.

Kareem Faruk Olamilekan, Akanni Basit, and Fashogbon Sulaimon will take charge in the centre back role, while Mohammed Musa, Jackson Nelson, and Abode Temitope are expected to feature at left back.

On the wings, Suleiman Sani, Chuks Moses (Egwuelu), and Panam Isaac will operate from the right, while Mustapha Mohammed and Ahmed Baraya are positioned on the left wing.

The pivot position includes Ibrahim Hayatu, Okolie Olisaemeka Andrew, Yusuf Suleiman, and Abaaka Simon.

The IHF Trophy remains a vital development platform, offering emerging talents the opportunity to gain international exposure.

Notably, winners at the continental level will receive financial support to compete at the intercontinental phase, with eventual champions qualifying for the World Championship in their respective categories.

With preparations already well underway in camp, expectations are high that Nigeria’s youth teams will put up strong performances in Lomé as they seek to secure qualification to the next stage of the global competition.

U-18 Men Team

Goalkeepers

1 Shuaibu Muhammad -FRSC

2 Muhammad Lawal -Sokoto

3 Friday Shuaibu -Abia

Centre back

4 Aliyu Rufai -Sokoto

5 Sani Muntari -Correctional

6 Uba Ahmed – Airforce

LEFT BACK

7 Samuel Achema – Abia

8 Usman Umar – Sokoto