Nigeria Names Squad For Handball Nations Cup

Head Coach of Nigeria’s senior men’s national handball team, the Golden Arrows, Coach Rafiu Salami, has unveiled his final 16-man squad for the Africa Men’s Handball Nations Cup 2026 scheduled to hold from January 21st to 31st, 2026 in Kigali, Rwanda.

The list was released following several weeks of intensive camping, and training in Abuja, where players were put through tactical, physical and technical sessions aimed at fine-tuning the team ahead of the continental showpiece.

The squad blends home-based talents with foreign-based professionals, underscoring the technical crew’s desire to strike a balance between experience and youthful energy.

Leading the goalkeeping department is Olatunde Adams, who plies his trade in Qatar, alongside Michael Ogbaji (Cotonou) and Okwor Obinna (COAS).

In the backcourt, Nigeria will rely on the experience of Yusuf Faruk, who is based in France, and Rotibi Gbenga from Morocco, while the centre back role will be anchored by Hakeem Salami, also plying his trade in Morocco.

The pivot position boasts strength and versatility with Daniel Bello of Turkey and Cotonu based Sessugh Stephen while the wings feature exciting options such as Azeez Suleiman (France) and Cole Gbenga (Morocco).

Nigeria have been drawn in Group A of the championship alongside hosts Rwanda, Algeria and Zambia.

The Golden Arrows will begin their campaign on Wednesday against Algeria, a fixture expected to test the team’s readiness early in the competition.

Coach Rafiu Salami will be assisted by a backroom staff led by Innocent Nwankwo, David Emmanuel, Technical Director Mohammed Bala Khalid, and medical personnel Sha Grace Saleh, as Nigeria targets a strong showing in Kigali.

Nigeria has featured in the Africa Handball Nations Cup 15 times since first qualifying for the championship in Tunisia in 1974 with best performance being a 4th-place finish in 1998 in South Africa

Meanwhile, In a boost to the team’s preparation, Salis Ventilated Homes Limited situated in Abuja has donated kits to the Rwanda-bound Golden Arrows.

President of the Handball Federation of Nigeria, Mr. Jibril Ojih Saidu (FNIQS), expressed deep appreciation for the gesture, assuring that the kits will be put to good use to the glory of God and for the benefit of the team, as the players strive to make Nigeria proud at the forthcoming Africa Men’s Handball Nations Cup in Kigali, Rwanda.

Africa Men’s Handball Championship 2026 KIGALI, RWANDA. GOLDEN ARROWS OF NIGERIA TEAM LIST

Goalkeepers

1. Olatunde Adams – Qatar
2. Michael Ogbaji – Cotonou
3. Okwor Obinna – Coas

Back Left

4. John Shagari – Cotonou
5. Tahir Lawal Ahmad- Corrections Service

Back Right

6. Yusuf Faruk – France
7. Rotibi Gbenga – Morocco

Centre Back

8. Hakeem Salami – Morocco
9. Ibrahim Dikko – Cotonou

Pivot

10. Sessugh Stephen – Cotonou
11. Daniel Bello – Turkey

Left Wing

12. Kareem Ajibike – Cotonou
13. Mohammed Mustapha – Sokoto

Right Wing

14. Azeez Suleiman – France
15. Cole Gbenga – Morocco
16. Atabo Abdullahi – Cotonou

Officials
Salami Sulu Rafiu – Head Coach
Innocent Nwankwo – Assistant
David Emmanuel – Assistant
Mohammed Bala Khalid – Technical Director
Sha Grace Saleh – Team Medic