Nigeria's U-18 men's handball team was crowned champion of the IHF Trophy Africa Men Continental Phase on Wednesday, following their 38-26 victory over Guinea in the final in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
In the finale, which was attended by top officials from the Ethiopian central government and officials of the Nigerian embassy led by Minister Boco Effiom Mbo, Coach Emeka Nnamani's team started the match with purpose. Despite some avoidable turnovers, they still won the first half 21-14.
Watch NPFL Matches LIVE: https://www.africasport.net/livetv/nigeria
Nigeria then came into their full element in the second half, playing with panache and flair. Christian Foloki, who recovered from the knock he sustained in the semi-final match against Cameroon, and top star Azeez Sulaimon led the team to score crucial goals and defend better against the Guineans. They won the match 38-26, retaining the title they won in Congo Brazzaville two years ago.
Azeez Sulaimon Olaitan was voted the Most Valuable Player of the match.
Coach Emeka Nnamani stated that the team had prepared for this moment and took the final with all seriousness. He also thanked the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN), led by Samuel Ocheho, for their 100% support from the IHF Trophy Africa Zone 3 Phase in Ghana to this continental phase.
"What more can I say? We prepared for this moment, and the boys took it with all seriousness.
"We knew the Guineans from the previous times we played them, and we watched their matches in this competition so we could tactically prepare for them, which we did.
"Of course, the real MVP is the Handball Federation of Nigeria, led by Samuel Ocheho and represented here by Alhaji Abdukadir Hussaini Mohammed, a member of the HFN, for their support from the Zone 3 Phase to the continental phase of the IHF Trophy Africa.
"They ensured that we made it to this competition despite the flight delay and gave us all the necessary backing to perform well," Coach Emeka Nnamani said.
Nigeria has thus qualified for the IHF Trophy Intercontinental Phase, which will be played early next year in a yet-to-be-determined country, where they will represent Africa in the U-18 (Youth) category.
ADD A COMMENT :