Nigeria emerged the champions of the male U-18 and U-20 categories at IHF Trophy Tournament for Africa Zone 3 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, the last for Africa zone that began on Monday 21 November and ended yesterday.

The Nigerian representatives defeated host Ivory Coast in the final of both categories in front of their disappointed home fans, who came in their numbers to support their country but it wasn’t able to sway the gallant boys.

The U-18 team led by Coach Emeka Nnamani guided the boys to a 29-24 victory over the hosts to finish the tournament with 100 percent record while it was a close call in the U-20 category.

Tutored by Coach Fidelis Obi, Nigeria only waited for the last shot of the game to secure a narrow 29-28 victory over the Ivorians in what was a difficult and tense final to earn Nigeria second silverware of the tournament.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s West Africa’s neighbour Niger Republic came third in both categories. They defeated Benin Republic 27-25 in the U-18 third place match and Burkina Faso 30-24 in the U-20 third place match.

With the victories, Nigeria U-18 and U-20 male national teams will participate in the continental IHF Challenge Trophy scheduled to hold in Brazzaville, Congo from December 12 to 18, 2022.