Nigeria winger Mohammed Anas was instrumental in Nigeria’s victory against Malta at the ongoing IHF Emerging Nations Championships in Georgia.
Anas who plays for Niger United scored nine goals as Nigeria took their points tally to three as they earned their first win at the Championship, defeating Malta 40 to 13 goals in a one-sided clash that represented the African team’s first win at Georgia 2019.
By the end of the first quarter, the speed and power of Nigeria’s squad had earned them a five goal lead at 8 to 3 goals and that distance grew to a huge 14 goals by the break, when the two points were all but decided.
With their goalkeeper Michael Agbaji Solomon saving at 61% in the match, with a total of 19 stops, Nigeria had little trouble keeping Malta at bay. The European team hit double digits for the first time at 10:37 in the 55th minute.
At the buzzer, Nigeria moved up to three points, right behind the USA on four. The African team will battle the USA for third place on the Group B table on Thursday.
Maccabi Holon of Israel player, Philip Kalu scored seven goals for Nigeria, Kano Pillars player; Kingsley Okubuike recorded five players while Lagos Seasiders player, Mathew Ibitoye netted four goals.
Other players on song are: Lagos Seasiders player, Gbenga Rotibi and Safety Shooters’, Abdullahi Mohammed scored 3 goals apiece, Lagos Seasiders’, Adio Owolabi scored two goals while Niger United Usman Sulaiman and COAS Shooters’, Joseph Gbawuan recorded one goal each.
Maccabi Holon of Israel player, Philip Kalu was adjudged Nigeria best player against Malta
Results of Day 5:
Group A
Azerbaijan 26–31Cuba
Great Britain 28–23 China
Colombia 41–36 India
Group B
Ireland 22–37 Bulgaria
Georgia 28–22 United States
Malta 13–40 Nigeria
