Nigeria defeat Côte d’Ivoire to move closer to World Champ qualification
Nigeria’s Under-18 Men’s Handball team moved a step closer to qualifying for the 2027 IHF Men’s Under-19 Handball World Championship following a 31-26 win over hosts Côte d’Ivoire 31-26 in the 5th–8th placement match of the 22nd Africa Men’s Youth Handball Championship in Abidjan on Monday.
The Coach Abdulhakim Yakubu-tutored side led 13-11 at halftime before maintaining their advantage in the second half to secure a five-goal victory over the host nation.
Simon Abaaka was voted the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the match for his impressive performance.
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Nigeria will now face the winner of the other 5th–8th placement match between Cameroon and Rwanda in a decisive encounter.
Victory in that match will see Nigeria finish fifth at the continental championship and earn one of Africa’s five qualification tickets to the 2027 IHF Men’s Under-19 Handball World Championship.
The Nigerian youngsters therefore need just one more victory to complete their qualification mission and secure a place at the global championship.
