Nigeria’s under-18 Women’s Handball team defeated Angola’s U-18 team 28-24 in the third place match of the Africa Women’s Youth Handball Championship, taking place in Monastir, Tunisia.
After losing 32-18 to Egypt in the semi final match on Friday, the Nigerians bounced back as they dug deep to beat Angola with five (5) points difference in the first half (12-7). They continued with the winning spirit in the second half, claiming a 28-24 victory to defeat the Angolans.
Nigeria also qualified for the IHF World Women’s Youth Handball Championship, which will hold in China in 2024. They will also participate in the IHF Trophy Intercontinental Phase after winning the zonal and continental phases in Ghana and Ivory Coast, respectively. Coach of the Nigerian side, Shittu Agboola, shared a few words after the victory.
“We wanted to play the final instead of the third place; unfortunately we lost the semi final against Egypt yesterday,” Agboola said.
“The most important thing which was a success to us is that we have qualified for the 2024 IHF Women’s Youth World Championship.”
In the final match, defending champions Egypt retained its title as they comfortably beat Guinea 29-16 to be crowned champions of the 2023 Africa Women’s Youth Handball Championship.
The 19th edition of the Africa Women’s Youth Championship has now concluded.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
