The head coach of Nigeria U18 Boys Handball Team, Emeka Nnamani said his target is to win the 2023 IHF Intercontinental Trophy Challenge.
The IHF Junior Intercontinental Trophy Challenge is scheduled for 5th to 11th March 2023 in Costa Rica.
Nnamani told www.aclsports.com that winning the 2023 IHF Trophy Challenge in Congo means the country is ready for the challenge ahead.
The Nigerian Army officer said some experienced players will be invited to camp to beef up the team in order to provoke the fighting spirit in the U18 team.
The former COAS Shooter coach said, “I want to make a huge statement at the IHF Intercontinental Trophy Challenge in Costa Rica and the only way to make such a statement is by winning the trophy.
“Four years ago, the Nigeria U19 team lost by 26 to 27 goals to Chinese Taipei in the final of the IHF International Trophy Challenge in Kosovo. It was very painful and hurts till today; I know for sure that I have what it takes to bring back the title to Nigeria.
“We will be inviting three or four experienced players to the camp to strengthen the team. But that doesn’t mean they will have automatic qualification to the team; they have to fight for their shirts.”
The coach of C&S FP Sports Academy ILORIN expressed delight at winning the IHF Continental Trophy Challenge back to back.
He said, “I felt so happy and very grateful to God almighty for the feat achieved at the IHF Trophy Challenge. I must also thank the leadership of the Handball Federation of Nigeria led by Sam Ocheho for believing in my capacity to tutor the national team and my assistant, Ayo Joshua for supporting my programs too.
“During our last game against Guinea, I was not tense but knew the match was not going to be easy. This is the 3rd time we are meeting them and all the time we meet is always very tough.
“The first time we played Guinea was in Rwanda four years ago, which we won with about 15 goals difference; the 2nd time we met was in Morocco and we drew with them. So I prepared my mind and also conditioned my boys towards this situation.”
Emeka Nnamani is a Staff Sergeant (SSgt) in the Nigerian Army and presently serving in 22 Brigade PT Wing Sobi Cantonment Ilorin, from the Physical Training Corp of the Nigerian Army.
