Nigeria’s U-18 women’s handball team will depart the country today (Thursday) for Oran, Algeria, to compete in the 2025 African Women’s Youth Handball Championship scheduled for September 14 to 21.
The team, led by head coach John Uzor, has been camped at the Rowe Park Sports Centre in Yaba, Lagos, where they have been preparing for the continental showpiece. Their target is to secure a podium finish and, importantly, qualify for next year’s World Championships.
Speaking ahead of the team’s departure, Coach Uzor expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to rise to the occasion.
“The previous set came third two years ago, so much is expected of us. We want to surpass that achievement or, at the very least, maintain the standard. With more countries participating this time, we’ve worked hard to prepare the girls for the challenge,” he said.
He added, “Five teams will qualify for the World Cup. Even if we don’t finish on the podium, our aim is to secure qualification. But I believe we’ll make it to the podium and also book our World Cup ticket. That’s the most important goal.”
A total of 11 nations will compete at the championship, which will be staged across two venues in Oran — the 7,000-capacity Miloud Hadefi Complex Arena and the 5,000-seater Hamou Boutlelis Sports Palace.
Nigeria has been drawn in Group A alongside Angola, Tunisia, Kenya, Benin Republic and Madagascar. Group B features hosts Algeria, defending champions Egypt, Guinea, Burkina Faso and Zambia.
The Nigerian team finished third at the 2023 edition in Monastir, Tunisia, where they defeated three-time champions Angola 28-24 in the bronze medal match.
The 2025 tournament doubles as a qualifier for the 2026 Women’s Youth World Handball Championship and the IHF Women’s Intercontinental Phase.
