Golden Arrows Set for Kigali

Posted : 20 January 2026

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

The squad was revealed after several weeks of intensive training camps in Abuja, where players underwent tactical, physical, and technical sessions aimed at fine-tuning the team ahead of the continental championship.

The final roster blends home-based talent with foreign-based professionals, reflecting the technical team’s goal of balancing experience and youthful energy. Leading the goalkeeping department is Olatunde Adams, who plays in Qatar, alongside Michael Ogbaji (Cotonou) and Okwor Obinna (COAS).

In the backcourt, Nigeria will rely on the experience of Yusuf Faruk (France) and Rotibi Gbenga (Morocco), while the centre-back role will be anchored by Hakeem Salami, also based in Morocco. The pivot position features strength and versatility with Daniel Bello (Turkey) and Sessugh Stephen (Cotonou). The wings include exciting options such as Azeez Suleiman (France) and Cole Gbenga (Morocco).

Nigeria has been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Rwanda, Algeria, and Zambia. The Golden Arrows will kick off their campaign in the tournament’s opening match on Wednesday against Algeria, a fixture expected to test the team’s readiness early on.

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

Nigeria has participated in the Africa Handball Nations Cup 15 times since their debut in Tunisia in 1974, with their best performance being a 4th-place finish in South Africa in 1998.

In a boost to the team’s preparation, Salis Ventilated Homes Limited in Abuja has donated kits to the Rwanda-bound Golden Arrows. President of the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN), Jibril Ojih Saidu, expressed his 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.

Golden Arrows of Nigeria – Squad List

Goalkeepers:

Olatunde Adams – Qatar
Michael Ogbaji – Cotonou
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 Coach
David Emmanuel – Assistant Coach
Mohammed Bala Khalid – Technical Director
Sha Grace Saleh – Team Medic

Golden Arrows Set for Kigali

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