The Handball Federation of Nigeria has meticulously selected its final 14-player squad for the 2025 U-18 African Handball Championship, scheduled to unfold in Oran, Algeria, this weekend. Head coach John Uzor and assistant coach Bukola Duru will lead the team, comprised of talented young athletes poised to represent the nation on the continental stage. The final roster emerged from an initial pool of 19 players who underwent rigorous training at the Rowe Park Sports Centre in Yaba, Lagos. The selection process emphasizes the dedication and preparation invested in building a competitive team for the upcoming tournament. The squad includes two skilled goalkeepers, Aisha Jamilu of Rima Queens and Okonkwo Sharon of Edo Dynamos, forming a formidable last line of defense. The remaining players, Mohammed Balikiss, Ngozi Okorie, Duru Success, Ngaodurubie Chetachi, Oluwalade Phebe, Momodu Joy Veronica, Esther Peter, Desola Wasiu, Terfa Cynthia, Igbinidion Blessing, Balogun Faizat, and Audu Salamatu, bring a blend of speed, agility, tactical awareness, and scoring prowess to the team’s dynamic.
A significant number of the selected players boast valuable experience from their participation in the IHF Women’s Trophy Zonal Phase for Africa Zone 3, held earlier this year in the Ivory Coast, where Nigeria emerged victorious. This prior success underscores the team’s potential to excel in the upcoming championship and builds confidence in their ability to navigate challenging matches. The Nigerian team has been drawn into Group A, a challenging group featuring strong contenders such as Angola, Tunisia, Kenya, Benin Republic, and Madagascar. Group B comprises the host nation, Algeria, alongside Egypt, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Zambia, promising exciting matches and showcasing the diverse handball talent across the African continent. The group stage will be a crucial test for the Nigerian team, demanding strategic gameplay, adaptability, and consistent performance to secure a place in the knockout stages.
The tournament, set to take place across two prominent venues in Oran – the 7,000-capacity Miloud Hadefi Complex Arena and the 5,000-seater Hamou Boutlelis Sports Palace – will witness 11 nations vying for top honors. These state-of-the-art facilities provide the perfect backdrop for high-octane handball action and promise an electrifying atmosphere for both players and spectators. The competition aims to crown the best U-18 women’s handball team in Africa, while also serving as a crucial qualifier for the 2026 Women’s Youth World Handball Championship and the IHF Women’s Intercontinental Phase. The stakes are high, and each match holds significant implications for the participating teams’ future aspirations on the global stage.
Nigeria’s recent success in the 2023 edition of the tournament, where they secured a podium finish by defeating three-time champions Angola 28-24 in the third-place match, serves as a powerful motivator. This victory showcased their resilience, tactical acumen, and ability to perform under pressure, setting a precedent for their ambitions in the 2025 edition. The team aims to build upon this achievement, striving not only for a podium finish but also for a chance to compete against the world’s best in the upcoming global tournaments. The players are determined to make their mark and continue Nigeria’s upward trajectory in women’s handball.
The tournament serves as a crucial platform for developing young handball talent, fostering international sporting relationships, and promoting the sport across the African continent. The participating teams will gain invaluable experience competing against diverse playing styles and tactical approaches, further enriching their handball skills and understanding of the game at a high level. The event will also serve as a scouting ground for potential future stars, offering opportunities for players to showcase their abilities and potentially attract interest from international clubs and coaches. Moreover, the tournament provides an opportunity to celebrate the vibrancy and growth of women’s handball in Africa, inspiring a new generation of athletes to pursue their sporting dreams.
The Nigerian team’s journey in the 2025 U-18 African Handball Championship will be closely followed by handball enthusiasts across the nation, with hopes pinned on their success. The team carries the responsibility of upholding Nigeria’s reputation in the sport and furthering the development of women’s handball in the country. Their performance in Oran will not only determine their standing within the African handball landscape but will also significantly impact their opportunities to compete on a global platform, potentially shaping the future of Nigerian women’s handball. As they embark on this challenging yet exciting journey, the team has the full support of the nation, eagerly anticipating their success and inspiring future generations of handball players in Nigeria.
