Nigeria celebrated their first triumph at the ongoing IHF Men’s Emerging Nations Championship on Wednesday, defeating Azerbaijan with a decisive score of 29-17 in Varna, Bulgaria.
John Shagari led the charge for Nigeria, earning the title of Most Valuable Player (MVP) for his standout performance. The Nigerian team showcased resilience and skill, bouncing back from a challenging start. In their opening match of the tournament, Nigeria had battled to a 31-31 draw against the USA. Against Azerbaijan, they trailed 12-18 at halftime but mounted an impressive comeback in the second half. Shagari spearheaded the effort, netting 7 goals, while teammates Kareem Ajibike and Faruk Yusuf each contributed 6 goals to secure the victory.
With this win, Nigeria strengthens their position as they prepare to face the Republic of Moldova in their final preliminary round match.
Meanwhile, Azerbaijan will look to rebound when they take on the USA in their next fixture. The championship continues to heat up as emerging nations vie for glory on the international stage.