Nigeria open Abuja camp for African Cadet Men’s Championship

The Handball Federation of Nigeria has opened a preparation camp in Abuja for the under-18 men’s team ahead of the African Cadet Men’s Championship, also known as the Zone III National Qualification. Coach Abdulhakim Yakubu has invited 22 players for the programme.

The championship’s 22nd edition is scheduled for Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Nigeria have been placed in Group B with Tunisia, Algeria and Madagascar, giving the young side three demanding fixtures in the opening stage of the continental competition.

The players are already involved in intensive sessions under Yakubu and his assistant, Ayo Joshua. The coaching team is using the camp to improve fitness, technical execution, tactical understanding and cooperation within the squad before the tournament begins.

The group includes goalkeepers Shuaibu Friday Micheal, Shuaibu Muhammad and Lawal Muhammad. Aliyu Rufai, Sani Muntari, Friday Pagiel and Sulaimon Abayomi Fashogbon are among the centre backs, while Godstime Michael, Usman Umar and Samuel Achama provide options at left back.

Huzaifa Abdulkadir, Obieze Akunebu, Gana Abubakar Tauhidi and Muhammed Yahaya are listed as right backs. The wings feature Chikelu Chidiebere Divine, Hamza Yahaya, Aminu Dahiru, Abdulrahman Sani, Umar Mohammed, Abdullahi Abubakar and Zulkifilu Muhammed, with Akibu Muhammad and Dominion Abukhate named as pivots.

The HFN’s camp gives Nigeria an early platform to prepare for a group containing three established opponents. The competition, organised by the Confederation of African Handball, is also intended to support the development of young players from across the continent.