Nigeria’s Under-18 and Under-20 men’s handball teams have intensified preparations ahead of the 2026 IHF Trophy Africa Zone 3 Tournament in Lomé, Togo, with both squads now fully unveiled for the regional showdown.

READ ALSO: Nigeria’s U-18 & U-20 Handball Teams Land in Togo for Zone 3 Battle

The Under-18 team features a promising group of young talents, including Friday Shuaibu, Shaibu Mohammed, Aliyu Rufai, Sani Muntari, Usman Umar, Godstime Michael, Huzaifa Abdulkadir, Chidebere Davine, Hamza Yahaya, Mohammed Yahaya, Umar Mohammed, Abubakar Abdullahi, Akibu Mohammed, and Obeze Akunebu.

The team will be guided by officials Abdulhakim Yakubu and Ayo Joshua, who are tasked with shaping the squad into a competitive unit capable of challenging for top honours.

In the Junior category, Nigeria’s Under-20 team boasts a strong and diverse lineup drawn from both domestic and regional clubs.

The squad includes Attahiru Ab Sahabi (Sokoto Rima), Obabori Samuel Aduralere (Adjidja HB Cotonou), Ganiu Aduragbemi Emmanuel (Tojemarine HB), Kareem Faruk Olamilekan (Tojemarine HB), Akanni Basit (Lagos Seasiders), Mohammed Musa (Safety Shooters), Jackson Nelson (Adamawa Warriors), Chuks Moses Egwuelu (Safety Shooters), Okolie Olisaemeka Andrew (Tojemarine), Yusuf Suleiman (Sokoto Rima), Abaaka Simon (Safety Shooters), Suleiman Sani (Flowers HB Cotonou), Mustapha Mohammed (Sokoto Rima), and Isyaka Mustapha (Flowers HB Cotonou).

The U-20 side will be led by Head Coach David Emmanuel, alongside Assistant Coach Cole Olatunde, both of whom bring valuable experience into the tournament as Nigeria aims for a deep run.

With the group stage fixtures already confirmed and the teams settled in Lomé, focus now shifts to the opening matches.

Nigeria will be aiming to assert dominance early, build momentum, and secure qualification for the next phase.

The International Handball Federation tournament remains a crucial pathway for nurturing emerging talents across the continent.

For Nigeria, the objective is clear—excel at the Zone 3 level and earn the right to compete on the continental stage, further strengthening the nation’s growing presence in international handball.

The post All Set: Nigeria Announces U-18 & U-20 Handball Squads for Lomé Clash appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

Christy Ucheibe delivered a solid defensive performance as SL Benfica Women secured a 2–0 home victory over SCU Torreense Women on Matchday 15 of the Campeonato Nacional Feminino.

READ ALSO: Kun Khalifat Dedicate Dramatic Away Victory Over Nasarawa United to Late Former Captain Chijioke Who Was Killed in Motor Accident 

The Nigerian midfielder played a key role in ensuring Benfica maintained a clean sheet, contributing with her usual composure, ball-winning ability, and positional discipline.

Her presence in midfield provided a protective shield for the backline, helping the hosts control the tempo and limit Torreense’s attacking threat throughout the encounter.

Benfica’s victory further strengthens their grip at the top of the table, as they now sit comfortably on 39 points. The result opens up an eight-point gap over closest challengers Sporting CP Women, underlining their dominance in the league this season.

The Portuguese champions have been in formidable form, combining defensive solidity with attacking efficiency, and Ucheibe has remained a consistent figure in their setup.

Her ability to break up play and transition quickly into attack continues to be a valuable asset for the team.

With momentum firmly on their side, Benfica will now turn their attention to their next fixture, an away trip against SC Braga Women on April 25.

The clash presents another opportunity for the league leaders to extend their advantage and move closer to securing the title.

For Ucheibe, performances like this highlight her growing influence at club level, as she continues to establish herself as one of Nigeria’s key exports in European women’s football.

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Kun Khalifat Dedicate Dramatic Away Victory Over Nasarawa United to Late Former Captain Chijioke Who Was Killed in Motor Accident  Matchday 33 clash, just 24 hours after the tragic passing of their former captain, Chijioke Ekpemandu.

READ ALSO: Injury Concern as Uzoho Misses Omonia Clash After International Break

The encounter, played at the Lafia Township Stadium, was decided in heartbreaking yet inspiring circumstances, as Kun Khalifat players paid tribute to their late leader with a spirited display.

Stanley Otu emerged as the match-winner, netting deep into stoppage time (90+5’) to seal all three points for the visitors.

The late strike capped off a determined effort from the Owerri-based side, who currently sit near the bottom of the NPFL standings but showed resilience against a high-flying opponent.

The result marked a significant upset, with Kun Khalifat, placed 20th, overcoming 4th-placed Nasarawa United in a tense and closely contested fixture.

It also avenged their previous meeting earlier in the season, where both teams settled for a 1-1 draw.

Following the match, the club dedicated the victory to their late former captain, whose sudden death in a road accident on Saturday, April 4, sent shockwaves through the team and its supporters.

In an official statement, Kun Khalifat FC expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Ekpemandu, who until his passing served as the club’s Team Manager.

“It is with regret, sadness, and a heavy heart that Kun Khalifat FC announces the passing of our former captain, a brother, a leader, and a legend, Chijioke Ekpemandu,” the statement read.

“Chijioke was a true leader on and off the pitch. His leadership, dedication, and passion for the club will never be forgotten.”

The club extended condolences to his family and loved ones, describing him as an enduring figure whose legacy will continue to inspire generations.

Players also paid tribute on social media, dedicating the hard-fought victory to the late captain, with emotional messages honoring his memory.

Sunday’s result not only boosts Kun Khalifat’s survival hopes but also stands as a poignant testament to unity and resilience in the face of tragedy.

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