Handball: Nigeria U18 win IHF Trophy Africa Zone 3

Nigeria defeated host Ghana 33 to 25 goals in the final to emerge champion of the U18 (Youth) category of the 2024 IHF Trophy Africa Zone 3 Phase in Ghana.

Nigeria has qualified for the 2024 IHF Trophy Continental Phase which will be held later in the year.

An elated coach Emeka Nnamani told www.aclsports.com that winning his third title is not a fluke but a product of consistency and hard work.

Nnamani said the team was not under pressure despite playing Ghana in front of their fans.

He said, “First and foremost, I must thank the Almighty God for bringing me this far to stabilise the national u18 men’s team throughout these years. I felt so happy and honoured to win this trophy for the third time consecutively.

“The Ghanaians came out in numbers to support their u18 team and this did not put me under pressure because I know the level of our preparation back home. I am used to playing the host teams in the final; I have always told my players to prepare for any obstacle that will come our way”.

When asked if there will be any changes to the winning side, Nnamani said, “I have a philosophy that you do not have to change the winning team. I am going to work closely with these players because I see a lot of future champions in my team.

“My job is to mould the mentality of the u18 players and prepare them for the greater challenges which is the future. Most of the previous u18 players I worked on played for the senior team at the 2024 African Nations Cup and this is to show you that I have to succeed at my own level”, he added.

Meanwhile, Nigeria under 20 team led by Coach Fidelis Obi, defeated Benin Republic 42-28 to finish on the podium in the third place match of the IHF Trophy Africa Zone 3 Phase.