Nigeria’s U-18 men’s handball team secured a second-place finish at the IHF Trophy’s Intercontinental Phase, following a thrilling 34-30 loss to Kosovo in the final on Sunday.
A Hard-Fought Match
The team, led by Emeka Nnamani, was determined to avenge their earlier defeat against the hosts in the preliminary stage. However, Kosovo’s resolute defense limited Nigeria’s scoring opportunities, resulting in a 13-13 tie at halftime.
A Nail-Biting Finish
In the second half, Nigeria outscored their hosts, taking a 26-24 lead with less than three minutes remaining. Christian Foloki and Mustapha Mohammed combined for 13 goals, but Kosovo scored two quick goals to force overtime, aided by Amar Muqolli.
Overtime Heartbreak
During overtime, the hosts, fueled by their fans, won the match 34-30, claiming the championship title.
Individual Honors
Nigeria’s Mustapha Mohammed emerged as the top scorer of the competition, with 43 goals, followed by Kosovo’s Muqolli (30 goals) and Granit Kadiri (29 goals).
A Repeat of History
This marks the second time Nigeria has finished as runners-up, following their 2019 loss to Chinese Taipei. They also secured a third-place finish in the 2023 edition.
What Could Have Been
Victory would have qualified Nigeria for the IHF Men’s Youth World Championship later this year. Despite the loss, the team’s impressive performance demonstrates their potential for future success.