Nigeria’s Under-18 and Under-20 men’s handball teams have both secured places in the semi-finals of the IHF Trophy Africa Zone 3 in Lomé, following commanding victories over Benin Republic and Ivory Coast respectively.
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The Under-18 side, coached by Abdulhakim Yakubu, delivered a dominant display, thrashing Benin Republic 41–19 to book their spot in the last four.
The defending champions of the youth category controlled proceedings from the outset, combining attacking efficiency with defensive discipline to overwhelm their opponents.
Nigeria’s U-18 team showcased their pedigree throughout the encounter, maintaining a high tempo and executing their game plan with precision.
The result reinforces their status as one of the tournament’s standout teams as they continue their title defense.
Meanwhile, the Under-20 team, under the guidance of David Emmanuel, also impressed with a convincing 28–10 victory over Ivory Coast.
Nigeria established early control, taking a 10–5 lead into halftime before producing a clinical second-half performance to seal the comprehensive win.
The U-20 side demonstrated tactical discipline and depth, effectively shutting down their opponents while capitalizing on scoring opportunities.
Their dominant display highlights their readiness to challenge for top honours in the competition.
With both teams advancing, Nigeria has firmly established itself as a strong contender in the tournament organized by the International Handball Federation.
Attention now turns to the semi-finals, where the teams will aim to maintain their unbeaten run and edge closer to qualification for the continental phase.
As the knockout stage approaches, expectations remain high for both squads to continue their impressive form and push for championship glory.
