The Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) has officially released its list of invitees for the Senior Men’s National Team ahead of the 27th African Men’s Handball Nations Cup, set for January 21–31, 2026 in Kigali, Rwanda. The comprehensive roster features 24 players, including nine home-based talents predominantly from the Ardova Premier Handball League, who have earned spots in the national team camp at the Indoor Sports Hall, Package B of the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
As of Friday, according to Cosmos Chukwuemeka, the media officer of the HFN, seventeen of the 24 invited players have already reported to camp, where they have commenced intensive training sessions focusing on tactical execution, physical conditioning and team chemistry. The remaining players are expected to join the squad by Tuesday at the latest.
Below are Details and Photos of Home-Based Players mostly from the Ardova Premier Handball League
Full List of Invited Players
Goalkeepers
1. Olatunde Adams – Qatar
2. Michael Ogbaji – Cotonou
3. Okwor Obinna – COAS
4. Mohammed Abbas – Cotonou
Back Left
5. John Shagari – Cotonou
6. Nasiru Hassan – FRSC
7. Mohammed Adam – Corrections
Back Right
8. Yusuf Faruk – France
9. Rotibi Gbenga – Morocco
Centre Back
10. Akeem Salami – Morocco
11. Ibrahim Dikko – Cotonou
12. Farouk Kazeem – Tojemarine
Pivot
13. Sessugh Stephen – Cotonou
14. Daniel Bello – Turkey
15. James Kuti Korede – Tojemarine
16. Ibrahim Adio – Cotonou
Left Wing
17. Anas Mohammed – Cotonou
18. Kareem Ajibike – Cotonou
19. Mustapha Mohammed – Sokoto
20. Abubakar Ahmed – Sokoto
Right Wing
21. Azeez Suleiman – France
22. Cole Gbenga – Morocco
23. Mustapha Mohammed – Sokoto
24. Atabo Abdullahi – Cotonou
The Nigeria squad is currently undergoing regimented preparation in Abuja, combining tactical drills and fitness work as part of their build-up to the continental championship. With a mix of domestic and international-based players, the Golden Arrows are shaping up to be a competitive force when competition begins in Kigali.
The 27th African Men’s Handball Nations Cup—officially the African Men’s Handball Championship—will take place in Kigali, Rwanda from January 21 to January 31, 2026. It marks the first time Rwanda hosts the men’s continental tournament in East Africa and features 16 national teams from across the continent.
The tournament not only crowns the African champions but also serves as a qualifying event for the 2027 IHF Men’s World Handball Championship in Germany, with the top five teams securing spots.
Nigeria has been drawn into Group A alongside host nation Rwanda, Algeria, and Zambia, setting the stage for highly competitive group-stage showdowns that will test the Golden Arrows’ preparedness and ambition.
The African Men’s Handball Championship is held biennially under the auspices of the African Handball Confederation (CAHB). Powerhouses such as Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria have traditionally dominated the tournament, with Egypt entering the 2026 edition as one of the leading contenders from recent competitions.
 has officially released its list of invitees for the Senior Men’s National Team ahead of the 27th African Men’s Handball Nations Cup, set for January 21–31, 2026 in Kigali){kind=link}