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IHF Emerging Nations: Team Nigeria earns comfortable victory against Azerbaijan

Posted : 13 March 2025

Nigeria's U-23 team defeated Azerbaijan 29-17 with an excellent second-half performance on Day 2 of the 5th IHF Emerging Nations Championship in Varna, Bulgaria.


Coach Solomon Yola's team went into the match better prepared following their opening-day 31-31 draw against the United States of America. However, they still found it hard to score goals despite taking a 4-1 lead and eventually holding their own to win the first half 9-8.


The second half started, and Azerbaijan came out strong, scoring first. However, that only awakened Nigeria, who quickly matched up. Coach Solomon Yola's team swiftly took advantage of Azerbaijan’s turnovers, embarking on a dominant 13:1 run. This was part of two unstoppable streaks, including a 6:0 and a 7:0 unanswered run between the 32nd and 45th minutes, during which Nigeria excelled, particularly on fast breaks, capitalizing on their opponents’ struggles.


Faruk Yusuf, Solomon Yusuf, and Kareem Ajibike fired on all cylinders, as Nigeria equaled their first-half goal tally in just 10 minutes and 53 seconds of the second half.


In the end, Nigeria won 29-17, with John Shagari, the man of the match, scoring seven times. Kareem Ajibike and Faruk Yusuf each added six goals to their names.


Nigeria will face the Republic of Moldova in the final match of the preliminary round, while Azerbaijan will play against the USA, who previously defeated Moldova 42-26.


Nigeria currently sits second in the group standings with a lower goal difference (+12) than the USA (+16). To win the group, Nigeria will need a bigger victory than their counterparts, provided both teams win their matches.

 

 

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