Nigeria’s under-20 men’s handball national team has received a splash of commendations for their sterling outing at the ongoing African junior championship in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Sports247 reports that the accolades came ahead of the team’s quarter-final clash with Burkina Faso on Wednesday, which was regarded as a giant step forward for the squad, following two victories in the group stage.
The quarter-finals slot was acquired after the team ended their games in Group C by defeating Madagascar 50-17 on Tuesday, which moved them to the top of their first round section with four points from three matches.
The press officer and vice-chairman of the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) media commission, Cosmos Chukwuemeka Akisi, gave details of the team’s strides at the 33rd edition of the ongoing championship and noted that the Nigerian players put up gallant efforts in the midst of highly formidable opposition.
Akisi added, “The top position was confirmed after Algeria defeated previously unbeaten Angola 25-22 in the other Group C encounter. The result left Nigeria, Angola and Algeria all level on four points, but Nigeria finished ahead of both sides with the best goal difference.
“Nigeria ended the group stage with 98 goals scored, and 64 conceded for a goal difference of +34. Angola finished second with +33, while Algeria occupied third position with +29. Madagascar finished bottom without a point after three defeats.
“Having won Group C, Nigeria will now face Rwanda in the quarter-finals on Wednesday as they continue their campaign at the championship and seek a place in the semi-finals.”
