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Nigeria U-18 handball team storms past Burkina Faso in IHF Trophy opener

Posted : 08 April 2026

Nigeria’s U-18 men’s handball team sent a strong message to their rivals at the IHF Trophy Africa Zone 3 qualifiers, overpowering Burkina Faso 48–22 in their opening fixture in Lomé.

From the outset, the Nigerian side asserted total control, combining quick transitions with disciplined defending to keep their opponents on the back foot throughout the encounter. Their attacking efficiency and high tempo proved too much for Burkina Faso to handle.

By halftime, Nigeria had already built a commanding 26–12 lead, effectively putting the contest beyond reach. The second half saw no let-up, as Coach Abdulhakim Yakubu’s team maintained their intensity, stretching the margin further to cap off an emphatic 26-goal victory.

Aliyu Rufai emerged as the standout player of the match, earning the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award after a dominant all-round display that underpinned Nigeria’s superiority.

Attention now turns to the U-20 side, coached by David Emmanuel, who are set to begin their campaign against Benin on Wednesday.

With this convincing win, Nigeria’s U-18 team has taken early control of their group and will be looking to build momentum as they aim for qualification to the next stage of the competition.

This dominant opening performance sets a high standard for the Nigerian delegation as they compete for regional honors in Togo. The clinical nature of the victory highlights the depth of talent within the youth ranks and the effectiveness of the team's tactical preparations. As the tournament progresses, the U-18 squad remains a favorite to secure a spot in the continental phase of the IHF Trophy.

 

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