Head Coach of Nigeria’s senior men’s national handball team, the Golden Arrows, Coach Rafiu Salami, has unveiled his final 16-man squad for the Africa Men’s Handball Nations Cup 2026, scheduled to hold from January 21 to 31 in Kigali, Rwanda.
The squad was announced following several weeks of intensive camping and training in Abuja, where players underwent tactical, physical, and technical sessions to fine-tune the team ahead of the continental tournament.
The team blends home-based talents with foreign-based professionals, reflecting the technical crew’s aim to combine experience with youthful energy. Leading the goalkeeping department is Olatunde Adams of 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 (Morocco). The pivot position features Daniel Bello (Turkey) and Sessugh Stephen (Cotonou), offering strength and versatility. The wings are strengthened by Azeez Suleiman (France), Cole Gbenga (Morocco), Kareem Ajibike (Cotonou), Mohammed Mustapha (Sokoto), and Atabo Abdullahi (Cotonou).
Nigeria has been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Rwanda, Algeria, and Zambia. The Golden Arrows will kick off their campaign against Algeria in the opening match on Wednesday, a fixture expected to test the team’s readiness early in the competition.
Coach Rafiu Salami will be assisted by Innocent Nwankwo, David Emmanuel, Technical Director Mohammed Bala Khalid, and team medic Sha Grace Saleh as Nigeria aims for a strong showing in Kigali.
Nigeria has featured in the Africa Handball Nations Cup 15 times since first qualifying in 1974 in Tunisia, with their best performance being a fourth-place finish in 1998 in South Africa.
In a boost to preparations, Salis Ventilated Homes Limited in Abuja donated kits to the Rwanda-bound Golden Arrows. President of the Handball Federation of Nigeria, Mr. Jibril Ojih Saidu, expressed gratitude for the gesture, assuring that the kits will be put to good use to the glory of God and to help the team make Nigeria proud at the tournament.
Golden Arrows 16-Man Squad – Africa Men’s Handball Nations Cup 2026
Goalkeepers:
Olatunde Adams – Qatar
Michael Ogbaji – Cotonou
Okwor Obinna – COAS
Back Left:
John Shagari – Cotonou
Tahir Lawal Ahmad – Corrections Service
Back Right:
Yusuf Faruk – France
Rotibi Gbenga – Morocco
Centre Back:
Hakeem Salami – Morocco
Ibrahim Dikko – Cotonou
Pivot:
Sessugh Stephen – Cotonou
Daniel Bello – Turkey
Left Wing:
Kareem Ajibike – Cotonou
Mohammed Mustapha – Sokoto
Right Wing:
Azeez Suleiman – France
Cole Gbenga – Morocco
Atabo Abdullahi – Cotonou
Officials:
Salami Sulu Rafiu – Head Coach
Innocent Nwankwo – Assistant
David Emmanuel – Assistant
Mohammed Bala Khalid – Technical Director
Sha Grace Saleh – Team Medic
