As the countdown begins for the International Handball Federation (IHF) Women’s Trophy Zonal Phase, scheduled to hold from April 20 to 24 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria has officially named her final 14-player squads for both the Under-18 and Under-20 women’s national teams.
After a rigorous two-week camping and training session held at the Rowe Park Sports Centre in Yaba, Lagos, the contingent—buzzing with confidence and talent—departed for Abidjan earlier today. The mood at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport was electric, as the girls, decked in national colours, received a warm send-off from officials, supporters, and well-wishers.
The teams, selected from a competitive pool of talents across the country, reflect a blend of youth, experience, and raw energy, with many of the players already making waves in the local league scene.
For the U-18 side, Head Coach John Uzor—renowned for his tactical discipline and youth development pedigree—will be banking on a formidable lineup that includes the dynamic Omole sisters, Joy and Shola, who ply their trade with the Lagos-based Defender Babes. The duo’s on-court chemistry and aggressive style have earned them comparisons with some of the sport’s finest.
Also earning her stripes in the U-18 squad is Ojie Princess from the Funad Academy, a rising star known for her agility and game intelligence, while Faisat Balogun, a lethal right back and a fan favourite, adds a potent goal-scoring threat. Not to be overlooked are Success Duru and Sharon Okonkwo of the COAS Babes, both of whom bring tenacity and a wealth of match experience to the team.
The U-20 team, coached by another veteran tactician whose name resonates in local handball circles, is equally poised to make a strong statement at the zonal phase. The tournament in Abidjan serves as a qualifying round for the continental stage and offers a vital opportunity for Nigeria to reassert her dominance in West African handball.
Speaking at the departure briefing, the President of the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN), Mr. Samuel Ocheho, expressed confidence in the teams’ readiness and reaffirmed the Federation’s commitment to developing grassroots talent. “These girls are the future of Nigerian handball. Their dedication during camp has been inspiring. We believe they will do the nation proud and return with gold,” he said.
Also present to encourage the athletes were senior officials from the Ministry of Sports Development, representatives of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, and several former national team players who reminded the young athletes of the honour and responsibility of donning the green and white jersey.
The IHF Women’s Trophy Zonal Phase in Abidjan will feature some of the best teams from across West Africa, including host nation Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Benin Republic, and others, making it a crucial battleground for continental bragging rights.
With tactical precision, hunger for success, and an unrelenting team spirit, Team Nigeria is poised not just to participate, but to conquer.
As the action tips off this weekend, all eyes will be on these young heroines to deliver the goods and fly the nation’s flag high once again.