Nigeria U18, U20 Storm Semi-Finals At Zone 3 Handball Tourney

Nigeria’s Youth Teams Shine in Lomé
NIGERIA’S Under-18 and Under-20 men’s handball teams have advanced to the semi-finals of the IHF Trophy Africa Zone 3 tournament in Lomé, Togo, following commanding victories over Benin Republic and Ivory Coast.
Both teams delivered standout performances that reinforced Nigeria’s growing reputation as a rising force in youth handball across West Africa.
U-18 Team Overpowers Benin
The U-18 side produced a dominant display against Benin Republic, dictating the pace of the game from the opening minutes. Their attacking fluidity and organised defensive structure left their opponents struggling to respond.
Nigeria maintained control throughout the encounter, converting scoring opportunities efficiently while limiting Benin’s chances, ultimately sealing a comfortable win to secure a place in the last four.
U-20 Squad Extends Winning Run
The U-20 team followed suit with an equally impressive victory over Ivory Coast. Combining tactical discipline with sharp finishing, the Nigerian side outclassed their opponents in key areas, particularly in transition play and defensive coordination.
Their consistency throughout the tournament has positioned them as strong contenders for the title.
Eyes on Double Podium Finish
With both teams now in the semi-finals, Nigeria is firmly in contention for a double podium finish at the regional tournament. The competition serves as a crucial pathway for qualification to continental and global handball events, making the stakes even higher.
The International Handball Federation (IHF) Trophy is widely regarded as a developmental platform for emerging talents, and Nigeria’s strong showing underscores the country’s investment in grassroots sports development.
