Nigeria has firmly established itself as a powerhouse in youth handball, with both the Under-18 and Under-20 men’s teams claiming victory at the IHF Trophy Africa Zone 3 tournament in Lomé on Saturday.
The U-18 squad, under the guidance of Coach Abdulhakim Yakubu, showcased an impressive performance, defeating Ivory Coast with a commanding score of 32-19 in the Youth final.
Meanwhile, the U-20 team, led by Coach David Emmanuel, also put on a stellar display against Benin Republic, triumphing 39-29 in a thrilling final match.
Nigeria’s U-20 side took command early in the match, securing a substantial 22-16 lead at halftime, and continued to apply pressure in the second half to ensure their victory.
With these victories, both Nigerian teams have earned the right to represent Zone 3 at the upcoming IHF Trophy Africa Continental Phase later this year, where they will compete against elite teams from across the continent.