Coach Rafiu Salami has unveiled the formidable 16-man squad that will proudly represent Nigeria at the 26th Africa Men Handball Nations Cup in Egypt.
The Nigeria Handball Men National Team, renowned as “The Golden Arrows,” recently concluded their training camp in Abuja and is set to embark on their journey to Egypt from the Nnamdi Azikwe Airport on Monday.
Salami’s selection reflects a strategic mix of youth and experience, featuring dynamic players like Farouk Yusuf, a Right Back from Franklin BM Granollers in Spain, and key contributors such as center-back Ibrahim Dikko and right-wing Gbenga Cole.
Expressing confidence in his squad, Coach Salami believes that the combination of young talent and experience will propel Nigeria to success in a challenging Group D.
The Golden Arrows find themselves in the company of formidable opponents, including Angola, Kenya, and the ten-time champion Tunisia.
The inaugural match for Nigeria in the tournament is slated against Angola at 3 pm Nigeria time (4 pm local time) on Wednesday, January 17, 2023. Subsequent challenges include a clash with Tunisia on Friday at 7 pm Nigeria time and a face-off against Kenya on Sunday at 1 pm Nigeria time.
Having participated in the Nations Cup 15 times, Nigeria carries a rich history into the competition, with their best showing in 1998 when they secured a fourth-place finish in South Africa.
The final roster for the Golden Arrows encompasses a diverse set of positions:
Goalkeepers:
1. Michael Solomon Agbaji
2. Obinna Okwor
3. Abbas Muhammad
Centerback:
4. Ibrahim Dikko
5. Hakeem Salami
Left back:
6. Joseph Gbawuan
7. John Shagari
Left wing:
8. Anas Muhammad
9. Andrew Ojo
Right back:
10. Farouk Yusuf
11. Obinna Anih
12. Gbenga Rotibi
Right wing:
13. Gbenga Cole
14. Osamwonyi Mathew Olaye
Pivots:
15. Steven Sessugh Iorter
16. Daniel Bello
With high expectations and a solid lineup, the Golden Arrows aim to leave an indelible mark at the Africa Men Handball Nations Cup, showcasing the spirit and skill that defines Nigerian handball on the continental stage.
