Nigeria’s Under-18 Women’s Handball team, are through to the final of the 2024 International Handball Federation (IHF) Inter-Continental Trophy phase, where they will face their counterparts from Kosovo, today.
To qualify for the final, Nigeria recorded a closely fought 32-28 victory over hosts of the tournament, Uzbekistan earlier on Saturday.
Nigeria fell behind in the first half, and trailed 15-17; but returned from the break a much better side, to upturn the deficit, and eventually clinched the victory.
Nigeria’s opponent in Sunday’s final, Kosovo dumped out New Caledonia with an emphatic 27-16 victory; having led 13-6 at the break.
The Nigerian ladies had on Thursday, out-scored New Caledonia 29-14 for their second win, in as many games; having defeated Guadalupe 24 hours earlier.
The Coach Shittu Agboola tutored side led New Caledonia 15-7 and eventually raced to a comfortable 29-14 victory, which ensured that they reached the semifinals of the competition, meant for continental champions.
Captain Kehinde Babatunde was awarded the most outstanding player of the game against New Carledonia, whilst her twin sister Kehinde Babatunde was voted MVP of the game against Guadalupe.
Although the Under-18 Intercontinental programme of the IHF, the winner will in addition to lifting the coverted trophy, punch a ticket to play in the IHF Junior World Cup, to be hosted by China, in August.
