The Nigeria U-18 Women’s Handball team lost to Kosovo 22-16 in the final of the IHF Women’s Trophy Intercontinental Phase in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
The Women’s Team who have had a hundred percent winning streak since the zonal phase and through to the intercontinental phase and then getting into the final were the only country representing the continent of Africa.
The first half ended 10-10 with a 75 percent shot ability from the Nigeria ladies. Kosovo did better in the second half as they took their chances from the near side, the nine-meter wings, and the fast break to defeat Nigeria 22-16. The team coached by Shittu Agboola had 30 shots as against 35 from the opponents and scored most of their goals from the seven meters and the near shots. They had 53 percent shot accuracy and will rue the missed turnovers and chances.
Some of the players that starred for Nigeria were Amina Mohammed, Joan Anwulika Okolo and Chidera Ogbusimba while Orgesa Gola was fantastic on the day for the Kosovo women. Nigeria, ‘s next competition is at the IHF World Championship from the 18th of June till the 23rd of June 2024.
