Nigeria U-23 Handball Team Secure Convincing Victory Over Azerbaijan.
Nigeria’s under-23 handball team delivered an outstanding second-half performance to claim a 29-17 victory over Azerbaijan on Wednesday at the 5th IHF Emerging Nations Championship in Varna, Bulgaria.
Following a 31-31 draw against the United States in their opening match, Coach Solomon Yola’s side entered this encounter better prepared. However, they initially struggled to convert their chances, despite taking an early 4-1 lead. The closely contested first half ended 9-8 in favour of Nigeria.
Azerbaijan made an aggressive start to the second half, scoring the first goal after the break. However, this only spurred Nigeria into action. Capitalising on their opponents’ turnovers, Nigeria embarked on an incredible 13:1 scoring run, including two dominant spells of 6:0 and 7:0 between the 32nd and 45th minutes. Their fast breaks proved unstoppable, as they took full advantage of Azerbaijan’s defensive lapses.
Faruk Yusuf, Solomon Yusuf, and Kareem Ajibike were instrumental in Nigeria’s dominant second-half display, with the team equalling their first-half goal tally in just over ten minutes of the restart.
At full-time, John Shagari, named Man of the Match, led the scoring with seven goals, while Kareem Ajibike and Faruk Yusuf each contributed six goals.
Nigeria will now face the Republic of Moldova in their final group-stage match, while Azerbaijan take on the USA, who recently defeated Moldova 42-26.
Currently, Nigeria sit second in the group standings with a goal difference of +12, trailing the USA, who have a +16 goal difference. To top the group, Nigeria will need a comprehensive win over Moldova, provided both teams secure victories in their final matches.
An update will follow as Nigeria’s under-18 men’s handball team prepare to face New Caledonia in the IHF Trophy Intercontinental Phase in Pristina, Kosovo.
