Nigeria Unveils Squad for IHF Women’s Nations Trophy
Nigeria’s senior women’s handball national team has stepped up preparations for the inaugural International Handball Federation Women’s Nations Trophy Africa Zone III after head coach Michael Taangahar unveiled a 16-player squad for the competition.
The tournament is scheduled to take place in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, from September 2 to 6, 2026.
The competition represents a new opportunity for Nigeria’s women’s handball team to test itself against regional opposition while also building momentum ahead of future international assignments.
Taangahar has spent several weeks working with the players in camp as the team prepares for its opening fixtures.
The squad has been training at the Indoor Sports Hall, Package B of the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
The extended preparation period has allowed the coaching staff to assess the players and work on the tactical and physical aspects of the team’s game.
Taangahar Names 16 Players
The 16-player squad features a mix of players selected to represent Nigeria at the inaugural tournament.
The players named by Taangahar are Bisi Oyewusi, Matthew Esther, Ahamefula Chinemerem, Sunday Hope, Ovetuo Rachael, Saaloo Daina, Audu Mercy and Emuore Enifome.
Also included are Modebe Queen, Yusuf Toyin, Babatunde Taiwo, Ogbusimba Childera, Musa Sadiya, Nuhu Wuraola, Onyekwere Lucy and Muhammad Bilkisu.
The selected players will now focus on completing preparations before travelling to Burkina Faso for the tournament.
Taangahar will be assisted by Innocent Chukwuma Nwankwo during the competition.
The coaching team will be expected to use the tournament to assess the team’s competitiveness and build a strong foundation for Nigeria’s campaign.
Nigeria to Play Ghana in Opening Match
Nigeria will begin its campaign against Ghana on Thursday, September 3.
The opening fixture will provide an immediate test for Taangahar’s side as the team begins its quest for a strong showing in the new regional competition.
Nigeria will then face tournament hosts Burkina Faso in its second group game on Friday, September 4.
Playing the host nation will provide another important challenge for the Nigerian team.
The two opening matches are expected to provide a clear indication of Nigeria’s form and readiness for the rest of the tournament.
Team to Travel to Benin Republic for Friendlies
Before travelling to Burkina Faso, the Nigerian team is scheduled to visit the Benin Republic for friendly matches.
The friendlies are expected to form part of the team’s final preparations.
Competitive matches can help coaches identify weaknesses that may not become obvious during training sessions.
They also give players an opportunity to develop their understanding on the court before facing their tournament opponents.
For Taangahar, the matches will provide an opportunity to make final adjustments to the squad.
The coaching staff can use the games to assess combinations, improve defensive organisation and sharpen attacking movements.
Tournament Provides New Opportunity for Nigerian Handball
The inaugural IHF Women’s Nations Trophy Africa Zone III provides an important platform for women’s handball in the region.
For Nigeria, participation offers an opportunity to compete against neighbouring countries while developing a new generation of players.
International competitions are particularly important for national teams because they provide players with exposure to different styles and levels of competition.
They also allow coaches to evaluate their teams against competitive opposition.
Nigeria’s participation could therefore contribute to the continued development of women’s handball in the country.
Preparations Have Been Underway in Abuja
The team has already spent several weeks in camp at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
The training programme has been aimed at improving the team’s physical condition and tactical organisation ahead of the tournament.
Extended camping also gives the coaching staff time to build team chemistry.
This can be particularly important in handball, where quick passing, coordinated movement and defensive communication are essential.
The players will now look to translate their preparation into performances when the tournament begins.
Taangahar Faces Early Test
For Taangahar, the tournament will provide another opportunity to demonstrate his tactical approach with the national team.
His immediate task will be to ensure that the players are physically prepared and tactically disciplined before the opening game.
The match against Ghana will be particularly important because a positive start could provide Nigeria with confidence going into the second group fixture.
The encounter with Burkina Faso will then present another challenge, particularly with the host nation playing in familiar surroundings.
Nigeria Targets Strong Start
With the squad now confirmed and preparations entering the final stage, attention will shift towards the team’s departure and final warm-up matches.
The Nigerian side will be hoping that its weeks of training translate into a competitive performance in Ouagadougou.
The tournament will also provide the players with an opportunity to represent Nigeria on a new international stage.
For Nigerian women’s handball, the competition could become an important step in strengthening the national team and developing greater regional competitiveness.
Nigeria’s campaign begins against Ghana on September 3 before the team faces hosts Burkina Faso the following day.
With preparations already well underway, Taangahar and his players will now look to complete their final work and arrive in Burkina Faso ready for the challenge.
The inaugural IHF Women’s Nations Trophy Africa Zone III could provide Nigeria with an important platform to assess its current strength, develop its squad and lay the foundation for future success on the continental stage.
