Nigeria’s youth handball teams showcased their strength by securing a historic double victory at the IHF Trophy Africa Zone 3 Phase held in Lomé, Togo. Both the Under-18 and Under-20 teams delivered dominant performances in their respective finals, confirming Nigeria’s growing dominance in regional handball.
The Under-18 team produced a powerful display to defeat Côte d’Ivoire 32–19 in the final. Coached by Abdulhakim Yakubu, the team controlled the match from the beginning, combining strong defence with smooth attacking play. Their victory followed an equally impressive semi-final performance, where they thrashed Ghana 42–22, underlining their consistency throughout the tournament.
In the Under-20 category, Nigeria completed the double by defeating Benin 39–29 in the final. Led by coach David Emmanuel, the team displayed composure and attacking efficiency to secure a comfortable win. Their journey to the final was more competitive, as they edged past Ghana 21–19 in a closely fought semi-final. Goalkeeper Attahiru Sahabi played a crucial role in that match, delivering key saves and earning the Man of the Match award.
These victories highlight Nigeria’s continued dominance in the Zone 3 competition and reflect the success of ongoing efforts to develop grassroots handball in the country. With both teams now qualifying for the continental stage, they will face stronger opposition from across Africa.
As Nigeria prepares for the next phase, expectations are high that these young teams can build on their regional success and make a strong impact on the continental stage.
