Nigeria’s women Handball teams won their matches on Monday at the IHF Women’s Trophy Zonal Phase championship ongoing in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire as the under 18 women’s team had to really dig deep to earn a 36-33 victory over Burkina Faso while the under 20 team totally destroyed Togo with a 52-8 victory.
Nigeria’s U-18 girls overturned a three-goal halftime deficit to edge Burkina Faso 36–33 in a thrilling encounter which saw the Burkinabé side dominate proceedings with fast breaks and well-coordinated wing play as well as forcing Nigeria to commit so many turnovers as they headed into the break with a 20–17 advantage.
But the second half was different as the Coach John Uzor’s side started playing more like the team that defeated Togo the previous day with vital goals to outscore Burkina Faso and also defended like their liv es depended on it. With precise finishes from the wings and dominant transitional play, Nigeria outscored their opponents 19–13 in the second half, sealing a hard-fought 36–33 victory that showcased resilience and tactical maturity.
They will play Ghana in their last match of group A on Tuesday at 1 pm
Later in the day, Nigeria’s U-20 women, in a goal-fest, ran riot over Togo with a 52–8 demolition that left spectators in awe. The Coach Shittu Agboola’s tutored team imposed themselves from the blast of the whistle, executing fast breaks with surgical precision and applying high-pressure defence that left Togo with little room to breathe.
The wings operated with ruthless efficiency, while the backcourt players dictated tempo and dished out assists with flair. By halftime, Nigeria had already opened up a commanding 24-6 lead, and they didn’t take their foot off the gas in the second half as they swiftly defeated Togo 52-8.
Nigeria’s Under 18 Women team will play Benin Republic on Tuesday at 5pm.
