Nigeria’s Under-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 team 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.
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 while capitalizing on fast breaks to outscore the host with Balikisu Amina setting the pace and despite the hosts’ attempts to fight 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 in the competition.
He said: “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.”
With the win, Nigeria Under 18 Women’s Handball 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 Under 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-led side lost 28-25 to Burkina Faso in the semi-final, and won 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.
