Nigeria Names 16-Player Roster For Burkina Faso Handball Tournament

Head coach Michael Taangahar has finalized Nigeria’s 16-woman squad for the inaugural IHF Women’s Nations Trophy Africa Zone III, with the team set to depart for Ouagadougou after a final warm-up series against Benin Republic.

The tournament, which runs from September 2 to 6, 2026, will see Nigeria open their Group B campaign against Ghana on Thursday, September 3, before a crucial clash with host nation Burkina Faso the following day.

Taangahar’s charges have been in residential camp for several weeks at the Indoor Sports Hall, Package B of the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, where intensive tactical and fitness drills have been conducted to sharpen the side for the continental challenge.

The final roster features a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talents, with Bisi Oyewusi, Matthew Esther, Ahamefula Chinemerem, Sunday Hope, Ovetuo Rachael, Saaloo Daina, Audu Mercy, Emuore Enifome, Modebe Queen, Yusuf Toyin, Babatunde Taiwo, Ogbusimba Childera, Musa Sadiya, Nuhu Wuraola, Onyekwere Lucy, and Muhammad Bilkisu all making the cut.

Ahead of the tournament, the squad will travel to the Benin Republic for a series of friendly encounters, giving Taangahar and his assistant, Innocent Chukwuma Nwankwo, a final opportunity to fine-tune combinations and assess match readiness.

The coaching duo has expressed confidence in the team’s preparation levels and is targeting a strong showing in Burkina Faso, with an emphasis on defensive solidity and quick transitions to counter the anticipated high‑pressure style of their West African rivals.