The Nigerian Under 18 and Under 20 men’s handball national teams have commenced preparations in Lagos ahead of the IHF Trophy Africa Zone 3 Phase set to take place in Ghana later this month.
Scheduled to be held in Accra from February 20 to 24, 2023, the championship serves as a significant platform for showcasing talent and securing Olympic qualification spots.
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Coaches Emeka Nnamani and Fidelis Obi, leading the Under 18 and Under 20 teams respectively, have called up eighteen players each for intensive training sessions at the Rowe Park Sports Center in Yaba, Lagos.
Among the talented youngsters invited are Kareem Farouk from Tojemarine Academy, Yusuf Sulaiman from Rima Strikers, and Mohammed Mustapha from Confluence Stars for the Under 18 team.
Meanwhile, the Under 20 team boasts players like John Shagari from Niger United, Kareem Ajibike from Tojemarine Academy, and Ojo Olumide from Adidja Handball Club of Benin Republic.
In the upcoming IHF Trophy Africa Zone 3 Phase, Nigeria’s Under 18 team will compete against Benin Republic, host Ghana, and Togo in the Youth category.
On the other hand, the Under 20 team will face opponents like Benin Republic, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia, and Togo in the Junior category.
The tournament kicks off on February 20, 2023, with Nigeria’s Under 18 team facing Benin Republic, while the Under 20 team clashes with Liberia.
This competition marks the beginning of the IHF Trophy, organized by the International Handball Federation (IHF), which spans across continents and culminates in the InterContinental Phase.
Notably, the previous edition saw Nigeria’s Under 18 men’s team emerge as champions of the IHF Trophy Africa Continental Championship and secure a commendable third-place finish in the intercontinental phase.
Meanwhile, the Under 20 team secured a runner-up position at the Continental phase.
Looking ahead, the Nigerian lifters will also participate in the IWF World Cup in Phuket, Thailand, scheduled from March 31 to April 11, 2024, offering another chance to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The final list of athletes qualifying for the Paris Games will be determined through the IWF World Rankings.
