Team Nigeria contingent land in Lomé for IHF Zone 3 challenge
Nigeria’s Under-18 and Under-20 men’s handball teams have arrived in Lomé, Togo, for the 2026 IHF Trophy Africa Zone 3 Tournament, which will run from April 7 to 11. Both
Nigeria’s Under-18 and Under-20 men’s handball teams have arrived in Lomé, Togo, for the 2026 IHF Trophy Africa Zone 3 Tournament, which will run from April 7 to 11.
Both teams arrived in good condition and high spirits after weeks of intensive training camp, where they focused on tactics, fitness, and teamwork ahead of the competition.
The tournament, organised by the International Handball Federation (IHF), is an important pathway for young players. Winners in both the Under-18 (Youth) and Under-20 (Junior) categories will qualify to represent Zone 3 at the continental stage.
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Following the draw, Nigeria’s Under-18 team is in Group B alongside Benin, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Group A includes Ghana, hosts Togo, and Ivory Coast.
In the Under-20 category, Nigeria is also in Group B, where they will face Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso. Group A consists of Ghana, Benin, Togo, and Niger.
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The Under-18 squad includes Friday Shuaibu, Shaibu Mohammed, Aliyu Rufai, Sani Muntari, Usman Umar, Godstime Michael, Huzaifa Abdulkadir, Chidebere Davine, Hamza Yahaya, Mohammed Yahaya, Umar Mohammed, Abubakar Abdullahi, Akibu Mohammed, and Obeze Akunebu. The team is coached by Abdulhakim Yakubu and Ayo Joshua.
For the Under-20 team, the squad features Attahiru Ab Sahabi, Obabori Samuel Aduralere, Ganiu Aduragbemi Emmanuel, Kareem Faruk Olamilekan, Akanni Basit, Mohammed Musa, Jackson Nelson, Chuks Moses Egwuelu, Okolie Olisaemeka Andrew, Yusuf Suleiman, Abaaka Simon, Suleiman Sani, Mustapha Mohammed, and Isyaka Mustapha. The team is led by Head Coach David Emmanuel and Assistant Coach Cole Olatunde.
With both teams now in Lomé and the group stage confirmed, attention shifts to the opening matches as Nigeria targets strong performances and qualification for the next stage.
The IHF Trophy Africa Zone 3 remains a key platform for developing young handball talents, and Nigeria will be aiming to top their groups and secure a place at the continental level.
