Nigeria’s national handball team has arrived in Kigali, Rwanda, ahead of its opening match against Algeria at the African Handball Championship, which runs from January 21 to 31.
The Handball Federation of Nigeria confirmed that the team touched down in Kigali after completing a four-week intensive training camp, with the final session held on January 18. Officials say the camp focused on tactical discipline, fitness, and match readiness as the team prepares for its first test of the tournament.
The players and technical crew have expressed confidence going into the championship, citing improved preparation and growing institutional support. The team’s campaign has received backing from the Federal Government, the National Sports Commission, SALIS Ventilated Homes Limited, and several private individuals.
As part of the support, Team Nigeria was presented with newly customised handball jerseys in the national colours by SALIS Ventilated Homes Limited. The gesture is expected to boost morale as the team begins its quest in Kigali.
Presenting the jerseys, Chairman of the SALIS Group, Dr. Sal Abubakar, stressed the importance of private sector involvement in sports development. He said sustained support was necessary to ensure Nigerian athletes compete at their best on the continental stage.
Dr. Abubakar reaffirmed the company’s commitment to Nigerian handball, noting that corporate backing should complement government efforts to strengthen sports performance nationwide. He urged other organisations and well-meaning individuals to invest in the sport, arguing that such support could significantly improve Nigeria’s standing in international competitions.
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He also congratulated the team on completing a successful training camp and wished them a productive outing at the championship in Rwanda.
President of the Handball Federation of Nigeria, Jibril Saidu, expressed appreciation for the support received from the National Sports Commission, SALIS Ventilated Homes Limited, and other partners, describing it as a major boost to the players’ confidence.
Saidu highlighted a new grassroots development strategy being pursued by the federation to identify and nurture young talents across the country. He said increased private sector support would be vital to the success of the initiative, adding that sports development could play a role in reducing youth unemployment.
“We are preparing seriously for Kigali, and we are grateful for this support. The promise of new jerseys was fulfilled, and that means a lot to the team,” Saidu said. “As we focus on grassroots development, this is exactly the kind of encouragement we need to help young Nigerians channel their energy positively.”
The federation president confirmed that the team is fully ready for the championship, with Nigeria set to begin its campaign against Algeria when the tournament gets underway in Kigali on January 21, 2026.
