Head coach Rafiu Salami has declared his team’s readiness to take on the continent despite this being their first time at the Women’s Africa Handball Championship since 1994.

Nigeria’s women’s handball national team take on DR Congo in the tournament opener at the Palais Polyvalent De Sports De Yaoundé on Tuesday with many fans back home eager to see how the team copes with a return to the big time after a near three-decade absence.

Captain Dorathy Nyagh has already dismissed concerns their inexperience might cost them in Yaounde and Salami backed his captain, insisting his wards have what it takes to compete at the tournament starting with today’s showdown with DR Congo.

“We know we are participating in the nation’s cup for the first in 27 years but this team is highly motivated and we believe we can do well in our first match against DR Congo,” coach Salami told HFN media.

“We have mastered our tactics and hopefully it will come through for us in the first match.

“I told the players that they must be focused all through and the ladies understand the importance of this Championship and I believe we will do well.”

Nigeria have been drawn in Group B at the 24th Women’s Africa Handball Championship alongside hosts Cameroon, DR Congo and Kenya.

Nigeria vs DR Congo starts at 2pm Nigeria time and can be streamed live on HFN TV on Facebook.