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Nigeria begins IHF Emerging Nations Championship campaigns with draw

Posted : 12 March 2025

Nigeria's U-23 Men's Handball Team came from behind to play a dramatic 31-31 draw with the United States of America on the opening day of the 5th IHF Emerging Nations Championship in Varna, Bulgaria.


The team, coached by Solomon Yola, had left the country just a day before their match. They faced the USA, which fielded a much-changed team compared to the squad that finished 26th in the 2025 IHF Men’s World Championship in Denmark. Despite the changes, the USA still had experienced players such as Pal Merkovszky and Andrew Donlin in their ranks and were expected to win the match.


The Americans started strong, leading 9-2 in the first 13 minutes, with Merkovszky boasting a 50% save efficiency and providing great defensive cover. This forced Nigeria either to turn the ball over or attempt difficult shots, which had a low chance of converting into goals.


It is fair to say that the first half belonged to the USA, as they won 18-12, with Andrew Donlin scoring 7 goals, despite a late surge from Nigeria.


The second half saw Nigeria make a comeback. Goalkeeper Obinna Okwor started racking up saves, including some one-on-one situations, fueling the team’s resurgence.


The team grabbed the opportunity with both hands, and Faruk Yusuf, who plays in the top-flight French league, was key in the comeback attempt. Nigeria went on a 6:1 run, preventing the American side from scoring more than one goal in 12 minutes.


With 12 minutes remaining, Nigeria closed the gap to just two goals, 24:22. Boosted by a fantastic performance from Faruk Yusuf, who became the fulcrum of the team’s attack, Nigeria even took the lead for the first time at 29:28 with three minutes to go.


While Yusuf finished with five goals and three assists, the USA’s Amar Amitovic, who scored 10 goals and provided six assists, was named Player of the Match. He also scored the last goal of the match—a converted penalty—which allowed the USA to secure a dramatic draw, 31-31.


Nigeria and the USA are now tied in second and third place in the standings, each with one point, behind the Republic of Moldova. Nigeria will play against Azerbaijan next.

 

 

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