Nigeria's U-18 men's handball team emerged as champions of the IHF Trophy Africa Zone 3 Phase on Sunday, securing a 33-25 victory over Ghana in the Youth category final.
The team, coached by Emeka Nnamani, entered the match with the knowledge that a victory would defend their title successfully. They approached the game with determination and effectively controlled the first half, leading 15-9.
The second half saw a different dynamic, as the Ghanaians, motivated by their fans, played purposefully. However, Nigeria held on to win 33-25 and retain their title.
Having qualified for the IHF Trophy Continental Phase, they will defend their title against other zone champions. The Nigeria U-18 men's handball team aims to win the continental phase for a chance to qualify for the intercontinental phase.
In the Junior category, the Nigeria U-20 men's handball team, led by Coach Fidelis Obi, comfortably defeated Benin Republic 42-28 to secure a podium finish in the third-place match at the IHF Trophy Africa Zone 3 Phase. However, they will not qualify for the continental phase as they couldn't make it to the final, facing a shock defeat against Ivory Coast in the semi-final.
Ghana's U-20 men's handball team emerged as champions in the Junior category by defeating Ivory Coast 32-28, bringing joy to their fans. They have also qualified for the IHF Trophy Continental Phase in the under 20 category, marking the first time Ghana will qualify for this phase. Additionally, it is the first time that two Anglophone countries, Nigeria and Ghana, will represent Africa Zone 3 in the IHF Trophy.
ADD A COMMENT :