Nigeria’s under-18 men’s handball team was crowned champion of the IHF Trophy Africa Men Continental Phase on Wednesday, following their 38-26 victory over Guinea in the final in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
In the final that was graced by top officials from the Ethiopian central government and officials of the Nigerian embassy led by Minister of the Embassy Mr. Boco Effiom Mbo, Coach Emeka Nnamani’s team started the match with purposefulness, and despite some avoidable turnovers, they still won the first half 21-14.
Nigeria then came into their full element in the second half, playing with panache and flair. Christian Foloki, who shook off the knock he had in the semi-final match against Cameroon, and top star Azeez Sulaimon spearheaded the team’s scoring spree and defended better against the Guineans to win the match 38-26 and retain the title they won at Congo Brazzaville two years ago.
Azeez Sulaimon Olaitan was voted the Most Valuable Player of the match.
Coach Emeka Nnamani said the team prepared for this moment and took the final with all seriousness while also thanking the Mr. Samuel Ocheho-led Handball Federation of Nigeria for the 100 percent support to the team from the IHF Trophy Africa Zone 3 Phase in Ghana to this continental phase.
He said, “What more can I say? We prepared for this moment, and the boys took it with all seriousness. We knew the Guineans from the previous times we played them, and we watched their matches in this competition so we could tactically prepare for them, which we did.
“Of course, the real MVP is the Handball Federation of Nigeria led by Mr. Samuel Ocheho and represented here by Alhaji Abdukadir Hussaini Mohammed, who is a member of the HFN for the support right from the Zone 3 Phase to the continental phase of the IHF Trophy Africa. They ensured that we made it to this competition despite the flight delay and gave us all the necessary backing to do well.”
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