Azeez Sulaimon Olaitan led the Nigerian under-18 men’s handball team to become champion of the IHF Trophy Africa Men Continental Phase on Wednesday, following their 38-26 victory over Guinea in the final in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Top officials from the Ethiopian central government and officials of the Nigerian embassy led by the Minister of the Embassy Mr. Boco Effiom Mbo, were in attendance for the final.
Despite some avoidable turnovers, they won the first half 21-14.
A More Clinical Second Half For Nigerian Boys
Nigeria then came into their full element in the second half as they played with panache and flair. Christian Foloki, who shook off the knock as he had in the semi-final match against Cameroon, and top star Azeez Sulaimon led the team to score important goals and defended better against the Guineans to win the match 38-26 and retain the title.
The team also won at Congo Brazzaville, two years ago.
Azeez Sulaimon Olaitan gets the Most Valuable Player of the match.
While speaking, coach Emeka Nnamani said the team prepared for this moment and took the final with all seriousness.
The coach also appreciates the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) led by Mr. Samuel Ocheho for their 100% support to the team from the IHF Trophy Africa Zone 3 Phase in Ghana to the continental phase.
“What more can I say? We prepared for this moment and the boys took it with all seriousness. We knew the Guineans from the previous times we played them and we watched their matches in this competition so we could tactically prepare for them which we did.
“Of course, the real MVP is the Handball Federation of Nigeria led by Mr. Samuel Ocheho and represented here by Alhaji Abdukadir Hussaini Mohammed, who is a member of the HFN for the support right from the Zone 3 Phase to the continental phase of the IHF Trophy Africa.
They ensured we made it to this competition despite the flight delay and gave us all the necessary backing to do well. ” Coach Emeka Nnamani said.
Nigeria has thus qualified for the IHF Trophy Intercontinental phase which will be played early next year in a yet-to-be-known country, where they will represent Africa in the under-18 (Youth) category.
