The national U‑18 male team began its IHF Trophy Intercontinental Championship campaign on Wednesday with a 46‑30 victory over Nicaragua in San Jose, Costa Rica. Cosmos Chukwuemeka, Media Assistant of the Handball Federation of Nigeria, announced the result in a statement from Lagos on Thursday. He noted that the team entered the match with great zeal, achieving over 81 % near‑shot efficiency thanks to players such as Tahir Ahmed Lawal and Olawale Ajibike, and comfortably took a 19‑9 lead at halftime.
The second half proved more challenging as Nicaragua attempted a comeback. Perez Sincler forced several Nigerian turnovers and recorded a 50 % success rate on seven‑meter shots, among other improvements. Nevertheless, the strategic adjustments made by Nigeria’s coach, Emeka Nnamani, kept the opposition at bay. Nigeria rallied to win the second half 27‑21, securing the overall triumph.
Nigeria recorded 62 shots with a 74 % overall shooting efficiency, while Nicaragua managed a 56 % efficiency. The Nigerian side capitalized on six‑meter opportunities, near shots, wing shots, and fast breaks to earn their first win of the competition. Their next match is against Guadeloupe on Thursday (today) at 1 p.m. local time (8 p.m. Nigeria time). (NAN)
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