Nigeria’s U-18 Handball Team Crowned Champion of IHF Women’s Trophy Africa Zone 3 Phase,

Nigeria’s U-18 Women’s Handball team emerged champions of the IHF Women’s Trophy Africa Zone 3 Phase in the Youth Category following a 37-30 victory over hosts Côte d’Ivoire in the final held in Abidjan on Thursday.

The Coach John Uzor’s tutored team had shown great promise throughout the tournament and capped off their campaign with a commanding display that combined tactical discipline, physical intensity, and attacking flair. 

The match lived up to its billing as a clash between two of the competition’s standout sides, with both teams coming into the final unbeaten but Nigeria wasted no time asserting themselves, racing into an early lead through fast-paced attacking play and aggressive defense and even when Côte d’Ivoire, backed by a passionate home crowd, responded with energy of their own, Nigeria led by Captain Omole Joy defended well to put the Ivorians at bay.

Nigeria tightened their defense and capitalizing on fast breaks to really hurt and outscored their host with Balikisu Amina setting the pace and despite the hosts’ attempts to find their way back into the contest, Nigeria maintained control and managed the game efficiently in the final minutes to seal a seven-goal victory.

Coach John Uzor praised his players’ discipline and unity saying that “the victory reflects the hard work these girls have put in. They played as a team, supported one another, and showed the spirit of champions.”

He also praised the Samuel Ocheho led Handball Federation of Nigeria board for ensuring that the team gets the desired support

With the win, Nigeria U-18 team not only claimed the Zone 3 title but also secured qualification for the next phase of the IHF Women’s Trophy, where they will represent the Zone in the continental phase in a yet to be announced venue.

Meanwhile the Nigeria’s U-20 Women Handball team finished on the podium with a bronze medal after earning a 31-19 victory over Benin Republic in the Junior category third place match.

The Coach Shittu Adewunmi Agboola’s tutored team fell short and out of their usual standards when they lost 28-25 to Burkina Faso in the semi-final and beat Benin Republic in a precise manner for the conciliatory bronze medal to end their IHF Women’s Trophy campaign.

Burkina Faso will represent the Zone in the IHF Women’s Trophy Africa Continental Phase in the Junior category following their 31-30 victory over Ivory Coast.