Nigeria To Face USA, Azerbaijan, And Moldova In IHF Emerging Nations Championship.
Nigeria’s Under-23 men’s handball team has been drawn in Group B alongside the USA, Azerbaijan, and Moldova for the 5th IHF Emerging Nations Championship, set to take place in Varna, Bulgaria, from 11th to 16th March 2025.
The International Handball Federation (IHF) confirmed the groupings on Wednesday following the draw at its headquarters in Basel, Switzerland.
Coach Solomon Yola is expected to lead the Nigerian team in what will be their third appearance at the championship. They will be looking to improve on their previous performances, having finished in 7th place in past editions.
Nigeria is familiar with two of their group opponents at this level. They previously lost to the USA in the 2019 edition, held in Georgia, but secured a victory against Azerbaijan in the 2023 tournament, also hosted in Bulgaria.
President of the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN), Samuel Ocheho, expressed optimism about the team’s chances.
“This is a tricky group for our boys, but I see opportunities. It is a chance for the team to improve on their previous 7th-place finish,” Ocheho stated.
“We also know our opponents well, and we will provide all necessary support to ensure the team thrives in the championship.”
Ocheho also called on the National Sports Commission to back the HFN’s efforts in promoting Nigerian handball on the global stage.
The IHF Emerging Nations Championship is a competition organised by the International Handball Federation for countries participating in the European Handball Federation’s four-year plan, along with some of the highest-ranked teams that did not qualify for the World Men’s Handball Championship.
5th IHF Emerging Nations Championship Draw
Group A
– Cyprus
– Bulgaria
– Great Britain
– Paraguay
Group B
– USA
– Azerbaijan
– Nigeria
– Republic of Moldova
