Nigeria U20 Handball: Final 16-Man Squad Named for African Junior Championship
Coach Emmanuel David names the 16 players who will represent Nigeria at the 33rd African Men’s Junior Nations Championship in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Coach Emmanuel David has named 16 players who will represent Nigeria at the 33rd African Men’s Junior Nations Championship in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Nigeria’s Under-20 Men’s Handball Team has finalised its squad for the upcoming 33rd African Men’s Junior Nations Championship, with head coach Emmanuel David selecting 16 players for the continental competition.
The championship is scheduled to take place in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, from September 5 to 12, 2026.
The Nigerian team has been intensifying preparations at the Indoor Sports Hall, Package B of the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, ahead of its continental assignment.
Nigeria drawn with Algeria, Angola and Madagascar
Nigeria has been drawn in Group B alongside two-time champions Algeria, Angola and Madagascar.
The group presents a challenging test for the young Nigerian side as they look to make a strong impression at the African junior championship.
Nigeria will be aiming to build on the country's history in the competition and compete for another podium finish.
Coach Emmanuel David names 16-player squad
The final squad consists of four goalkeepers and 12 outfield players.
Goalkeepers
Attahiru Ab Sahabi
Obabori Samuel
Iorngohol Amos
Outfield Players
Ganiu Aduragbemi
Isyaka Mustapha
Kareem Faruk
Akanni Olayinka
Musa Mohammed
Jackson Nelson
Sani Suleiman
Chuks Moses Egwuelu
Yusuf Suleiman
Abaaka Simon
Igwele Emmanuel
Saka Muktar
Oladeinde Oluwasegun
Coach Emmanuel David will be assisted by Cole Olatunde.
Nigeria’s history at the African junior championship
Nigeria have previously tasted success at the African Men’s Junior Nations Championship.
The country won the competition once, claiming the title when it hosted the championship in Lagos in 1980.
Nigeria has also reached the podium on three other occasions.
The country finished second in Bauchi in 1984, before recording third-place finishes in Cotonou and Marrakech, Morocco, in 2018.
The 2026 edition therefore provides another opportunity for Nigeria's next generation of handball players to make their mark on the continental stage.
Abidjan awaits
With preparations continuing in Abuja, the focus will now shift towards the final stages of Nigeria's build-up before the team travels to Côte d’Ivoire.
The young Nigerian side will face a demanding Group B campaign against Algeria, Angola and Madagascar.
The objective will be clear: compete strongly, progress from the group and challenge for a place on the podium.
Nigeria’s U20 men’s handball team is ready for the challenge in Abidjan.
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