Tojemarine Invitational 2026: 18 Teams Confirmed for Lagos Showpiece
The organisers of the 2026 Tojemarine Invitational Handball Championship have officially announced the participating teams for the prestigious international club tournament, scheduled to take place in Lagos from July 16 to 25, 2026.
Themed ‘Building Champions, Inspiring Communities’, the competition will feature 18 teams drawn from Nigeria, Ghana, and the Republic of Benin, further cementing its reputation as one of West Africa’s fastest-growing club handball events.
Ten teams will compete in the men’s category, while eight teams will battle in the women’s event across the ten-day championship.
In the men’s field, host side Tojemarine Handball Club will be joined by Nigerian clubs Rima Strikers of Sokoto, Delta Force of Asaba, Niger United of Minna, and De-Defenders of the Nigeria Civil Defence.
They will face strong international opposition from Benin’s Energie, ASPAC, and Adidja HC, as well as Ghana’s Police Service and Health Life Global Handball Club.
The women’s category will see Nigerian representation from SOOF Handball Club, Seasider Babes of Lagos, Plateau Peacocks of Jos, and Rima Babes of Sokoto.
Ghana will be represented by Police Service and Prisons Service, while Benin Republic will field Flowers Handball Club and ASPAC Handball Club.
According to the organisers, the championship aims to provide a platform for clubs across West Africa to showcase talent, raise competitive standards, and strengthen regional sporting ties.
The inclusion of Ghanaian and Beninese teams reflects the growing international appeal of the tournament, which is expected to deliver high-level competition and thrilling entertainment for fans.
Cosmos Chukwuemeka Akisi, Director of Media and Publicity for the championship, emphasized that the event will contribute significantly to handball development by exposing players and coaches to elite competition while inspiring communities through sport.
