The head coach of Nigeria U18 Girls handball team, Agboola Shittu is optimistic the country will qualify for the IHF Continental Trophy Challenge later this year.
The IHF Challenge Trophy (Zone 3) is scheduled for 11th to 15 April, 2023 in Accra, Ghana.
Shittu told www.aclsports.com that Nigeria U18 players possess the quality to pull through at the zonal level.
The former national goalkeeper said the coaching crew are working round the clock in ensuring that the players master the tactical aspects of the game.
The former coach of Lagos Seasiders HC said, “This current crop of players have the quality to make Nigeria proud at the IHF Challenge Trophy (Zone 3) and with God’s guidance, we will come out victorious.
“With the quality of tactical and technical knowledge passed on to the team, in my humble opinion, I think we should scale this phase”, he said.
The 2003 All African Games Bronze medallist expressed delight over getting a call up after two years of absence in the various leagues.
Shittu explained to www.aclsports.com why he stayed off active handball in the country.
He said, “It is an honour for any coach to be called up for national assignment. I am equally glad to be part of the rebuilding, regeneration and refocusing of the new female national team long term goals.
“I made a personal decision not to handle any team in the country and it is good for coaches to take time off for reflection.
“While away, I was focusing on developing my new Academy, Funad Handball Academy (Girls). I am glad I did, and I am back and better in the handball circle. In the near future, I will be announcing the new team I will be coaching in the prudent energy handball league.”
List of players Invited for the IHF Challenge Trophy Africa Zone 3:
Precious Samuel (Sokoto) Chidera Ogwusimba (Sokoto), Rahima Bello (Sokoto), Prudence Samuel (Sokoto), Amina Mohammed (Sokoto), Mary Olaoye (Sokoto), Munira Kasimu (Sokoto), Lucy Onyekwere (Sokoto), Monica Opara (Sokoto), Munira Mohd (Sokoto), Timileyin Ogunwole (Sokoto), Damilola Adebisi (Sokoto), Akinola Temilade (Ekiti), Okosi Destiny (Ekiti), Ogunsakin Toyin (Ekiti), Elizabeth Gift (Bayelsa), Maureen John (Bayelsa), Blessing Jumbo (Bayelsa), Vera John (Bayelsa), Akinlade Damilola (Mindscope Academy), Nestor Abigail (Mindscope Academy), Balogun Zainab (Mindscope Academy), Grace Gregory (Akwa Ibom), Blessing Inyang (Akwa Ibom), Taiwo Babatunde (Seasider Babes), Kehinde Babatunde (Seasider Babes), Mathew Esther (Seasider Babes), Okolo Joan (Delta), Igbinedion Blessing (Delta) and Aparaugo Amarachi (Imo Grasshoppers).
