Nigeria’s Under-18 Men’s Handball team has secured a place in the final of the 2025 IHF Trophy’s Intercontinental Phase after delivering a commanding 43-24 victory over Uzbekistan on Saturday in Pristina, Kosovo.
The young Nigerian squad, led by Coach Emeka Nnamani, put on a clinical display, bouncing back from their earlier group-stage setback against hosts Kosovo. Determined to make a statement in the semi-final, they dominated from the outset, showcasing exceptional efficiency with an impressive 90% success rate in the first half. Their relentless attacking play and solid defensive organization left Uzbekistan struggling to keep up, sealing a decisive win for Nigeria.
This achievement marks the second time the Nigerian Under-18 team has reached the final of this prestigious competition. Their previous appearance in the title match came in 2019, when they fell short against Chinese Taipei. Nevertheless, their consistent performances in recent years have earned them a place on the podium for the third consecutive time, reinforcing Nigeria’s growing reputation in international youth handball.
While the Under-18 team celebrates their remarkable feat, Nigeria’s Under-23 Handball team faced disappointment in their quest for glory. Competing in the semi-final of the 5th IHF Emerging Nations Championship in Varna, Bulgaria, they fell to Bulgaria with a 30-23 defeat. Despite a determined effort, the Nigerian side struggled to keep pace with their European counterparts, ultimately bowing out of contention for the title.
As the Under-18 squad prepares for the final, they carry the hopes of Nigerian handball fans, aiming to make history by lifting the trophy. Meanwhile, the Under-23 team will look to regroup and draw lessons from their campaign as they strive for future success on the international stage.
