Handball: Nigeria secures comfortable win over Azerbaijan in IHF Nations Championship
Nigeria’s Under-23 handball team defeated Azerbaijan 29-17 on Wednesday with an excellent second-half performance on day two of the 5th IHF Emerging Nations Championship in Varna, Bulgaria.
The Coach Solomon Yola-led team entered the match better prepared after their opening-day 31-31 draw against the United States. However, they initially struggled to convert chances despite taking an early 4-1 lead and narrowly winning the first half 9-8.
Azerbaijan started the second half strongly, scoring first, but Nigeria quickly took control, capitalizing on their opponents’ turnovers. The team embarked on a dominant 13-1 run, including two stretches of unanswered goals (6-0 and 7-0) between the 32nd and 45th minutes, excelling particularly on fast breaks.
With Faruk Yusuf, Solomon Yusuf, and Kareem Ajibike leading the attack, Nigeria matched their first-half goal tally within the first 10 minutes and 53 seconds of the second period.
In the end, Nigeria secured a decisive 29-17 victory. John Shagari was named Man of the Match after scoring seven goals, while Kareem Ajibike and Faruk Yusuf each contributed six goals.
Nigeria will face the Republic of Moldova in their final preliminary round match, while Azerbaijan will play against the USA, who previously defeated Moldova 42-26.
Nigeria currently sits second in the group standings, with a goal difference of +12, trailing the USA (+16). To top the group, Nigeria will need a bigger win than the USA, assuming both teams win their matches.
