Nigeria under 18 women handball team finished second after their 22-16 defeat by Kosovo on Sunday in the final of the IHF Women’s Trophy Intercontinental Phase in Taskhent, Kosovo.
Nigeria who until now have had a hundred percent winning streak since the zonal phase through to the intercontinental phase and then getting into the final, knew they were carrying not just the country’s flag but that of the continent of Africa and started the match with that zeal in the first half.
With a 75% shot ability, Nigeria did played with determination to draw the first half 10-10.
The second half was another kettle of fish though as turnovers set in to curtail the girls and Kosovo took their chances from near side, the 9 meters, wings and from fast break to defeat Nigeria 22-16.
The Coach Shittu Adewunmi Agboola tutored side had 30 shots as against 35 from their opponents and scored most of their goals from the 7 meters and the near shots. All together they had 53% shots accuracy and they will rue the turnovers and chances they missed.
Top players for Nigeria were Amina Munira, Joan Anwulika Okolo and Chidera Ogbusimba while Orgesa Gola was fantastic on the day for Kosovo.
Next for Nigeria is the IHF world championship in China later in the year.
