The list consists of two foreign players and 12 homebased players with Esther Matthew of Addija HC as captain of the team.

Six Sokoto Rima players made the final team, three from Delta Force, while Imo Grasshoppers, Seasiders Babes and Rivers Queens had one players each.

Coach Agboola Shittu told said the team is going to make a huge statement at this year’s World Championship.

He said, “I am not going to make any promise but the team will give their best. The players know what is at stake, we cannot afford to disappoint those who have faith in the team.

“ I want to thank the leadership of the Handball Federation of Nigeria led by Sam Ocheho for ensuring this crop of players get the necessary support,” he said.

Nigeria will begin their world cup campaign against Croatia on Wednesday at 7am Nigeria time, play Montenegro on Thursday at 2pm and then face continental rival Angola at 10am on Saturday.

FINAL TEAM LIST

Goalkeepers: Precious Samuel (Sokoto Rima) and Kehinde Babatunde (ASPAC HBC)

Right Wing: Lucy Onyekwere (Sokoto Rima) and Blessing Igbenedion (Delta Force)

Right Back: Esther Mathew (Addija HBC) and Chidera Ogbusimba (Sokoto Rima)

Left Back: Prudence Samuel (Sokoto Rima), Taiwo Babatunde (Seasiders Babe) and Amarachi Oparaugo (Imo Grasshoppers)

Left Wing: Amina Muhammad (Sokoto Rima) and Joan Okolo(Delta Force)

Center Back: Rahima Bello (Sokoto Rima) and Ijeoma Izuoba (Delta Force)

Pivot: Damilola Akinlade (Rivers Queens)

OFFICIALS

Agboola Shittu and Abdullahi Suleima (Sokoto Rima)