Nigeria U-18 Handball Team steps up preparations for African Cadets Championship

Posted : 18 August 2026

Nigeria’s National Under-18 Male Handball Team has intensified preparations for the 22nd African Cadets Men’s Handball Championship, with 23 players assembled in Abuja for a crucial camping programme ahead of the continental competition in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

Head Coach Abdulhakim Yakubu invited the players to camp as the technical crew begins the process of assembling a formidable squad capable of competing strongly against some of Africa’s leading youth handball nations.

The team’s preparations in Abuja are focused on improving the players’ physical fitness, technical skills, tactical understanding and coordination ahead of the championship organised by the Confédération Africaine de Handball (CAHB).

Nigeria has been drawn in Group B alongside Tunisia, Algeria and Madagascar in what promises to be a demanding group-stage campaign.

Group A comprises Egypt, Cameroon and Congo, while Morocco, Libya and Rwanda are in Group C. Hosts Côte d’Ivoire will compete in Group D alongside Guinea, Zambia and Burundi.

The Nigerian squad cuts across seven playing positions, with three goalkeepers — Shuaibu Fridaymicheal, Shuaibu Muhammad and Lawal Muhammad — selected for the team.

The centre-back department features Aliyu Rufai, Sani Muntari, Friday Pagiel and Sulaimon Abayomi Fashogbon, while Godstime Michael, Usman Umar and Samuel Achama are listed as left backs.

Huzaifa Abdulkadir, Obieze Akunebu, Gana Abubakar Tauhidi and Muhammed Yahaya provide options at right back.

The left-wing position has Chikelu Chidiebere Divine, Hamza Yahaya, Aminu Dahiru and Abdulrahman Sani, while Umar Mohammed, Abdullahi Abubakar and Zulkifilu Muhammed are the right-wing options.

Akibu Muhammad and Dominion Abukhate complete the squad as the two pivots.

Yakubu will be assisted by Ayo Joshua, with both coaches expected to use the camping period to develop the team’s tactical structure and build the understanding required for a successful continental campaign.

The African Cadets Championship is regarded as an important platform for nurturing young handball talents, with the competition offering players an opportunity to gain valuable international experience and showcase their potential.

With the Nigerian players now in camp, the technical crew will be hoping to mould the squad into a cohesive unit capable of overcoming the challenges posed by Tunisia, Algeria and Madagascar.

The team’s immediate focus remains on its Abuja preparations before travelling to Abidjan for the 22nd African Cadets Men’s Championship.

Nigeria U-18 Handball Team steps up preparations for African Cadets Championship

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