Nigeria U-18, U-20 teams storm semi-finals at IHF Trophy Africa Zone 3

Nigeria U-18, U-20 teams storm semi-finals at IHF Trophy Africa Zone 3

Nigeria’s Under-18 and Under-20 men’s handball teams have both qualified for the semi-finals of the ongoing IHF Trophy Africa Zone 3 tournament in Lomé following impressive victories over Benin and Ivory Coast respectively.

The Coach Abdulhakim Yakubu tutored Under-18 side delivered a dominant performance, thrashing Benin Republic 41–19 to book their place in the last four.

The defending champion of the Youth Category of the IHF Trophy Africa Zone 3, controlled the game from start to finish, showcasing attacking flair and defensive solidity to overwhelm their opponents.

The victory confirms the Under-18 team’s strong run in the competition, as they continue to assert themselves as one of the standout teams in the tournament.

Meanwhile, the Under-20 team, guided by Coach David Emmanuel, also secured a convincing semi-final berth with a commanding 28–10 win over Ivory Coast. Nigeria established early control, taking a 10–5 lead into halftime before turning on the style in the second half to seal a comprehensive victory.

Both teams have now underlined their credentials as serious contenders in the tournament organised by the International Handball Federation, as they move a step closer to the title.

With semi-final spots secured, attention now shifts to the knockout stage where Nigeria will be aiming to maintain their unbeaten run and push for qualification to the continental phase of the competition.