Nigeria U18 female handball team has qualified for the next phase of the World Championship qualifiers in Rwanda. The cadet team pummelled host, Niger Republic 30-16 in their last match to win gold at the Zone 3 International Handball Federation (IHF) Challenge Trophy in Niamey.
Nigeria led Niger Republic by 7 goals in the first half with 13-6 before the high flying Nigeria girls finished the second half with 14 goal difference of the U18 category.
Speaking after the final, an elated U18 goalkeeper, Toyin Yusuf expressed joy of her team’s qualification.
She said, “I am extremely happy that Nigeria eventually qualified. Thos means a lot to me, the team and the coach. We promise not to let Nigeria down at the next phase in Rwanda”
Meanwhile, Nigeria U20 could not qualify for the next round following their defeat to Benin Republic 34-22 in an epic encounter on Friday night.
The Beninese junior team took the first half 18-12 against Nigeria and maintained their fine form till the end of the game.
Nigeria female junior handball team lost twice to Benin Republic in their first match and the gold medal match.
Result:
U18
Nigeria 50-11 Togo
Nigeria 34-22 Benin Republic
Nigeria 39-17 Niger Republic
Decider: Nigeria 30-16 Niger Republic (HT: 13-6)
END
U20
Nigeria 28-33 Benin Republic
Nigeria 31-19 Togo
Nigeria 31-30 Niger Republic
Decider: Nigeria 22-34 Benin Republic
