By Samuel Akpan
Nigeria’s Under-18 men’s handball team booked a quarter-final place at the Africa Men’s Youth Handball Championship with a commanding 45-27 win over Madagascar in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The young Nigerians edged a tight opening period, carrying a slender 16-13 advantage into half-time after a closely contested first half.
After the break, Nigeria lifted the intensity, mixing swift attacks with sharper finishing to pull well clear of their opponents.
The 45-27 result was an emphatic statement that strengthens Nigeria’s campaign as the side advances to the last eight.
Akibu Muhammed was named Man of the Match for his standout contribution to the convincing victory.
The quarter-final berth gives the youthful squad another chance to chase continental honours on Ivorian soil.
PerSecondNews reports that the African Men’s Youth Handball Championship began in 2000 in Abidjan — the same city now staging the 2026 edition.
Benin won the inaugural title. Nigeria finished runners-up, with hosts Ivory Coast third. Egypt then took control.
The Pharaohs have won eight of the 10 completed tournaments: 2004, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2024.
Their only slip in that stretch was 2016 in Bamako, when Tunisia edged them 26–25 in the final.
The 2020 edition scheduled for Casablanca was ultimately canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Currently, Tunisia holds second place in the standings with one gold and six silver medals.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s top historical performances remain its 2000 silver-medal finish and a bronze earned in Marrakesh in 2018.
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