The President of the Handball Federation of Nigeria, Samuel Ocheho, has pledged thorough preparation for the Nigerian team ahead of the 10th edition of the U-18 Women’s Handball Championship in China, as reported by Punch Sports Extra.
Set to occur from August 14 to 25 in Chuzhou, Nigeria will be embarking on their inaugural participation after numerous unsuccessful attempts at qualification.
In Group B, Nigeria will be facing off against formidable European opponents Croatia, Montenegro, and Angola, the latter having been defeated by coach Agboola’s team in the third-place clash of the 2023 Africa U-18 Women’s Handball Championship in Monastir, Tunisia.
Four months before the championship kicks off, Ocheho assured that the team will undergo proper training.
“This presents a new challenge for us to etch our names in history, as we are venturing into World Cup territory for the first time. The Handball Federation of Nigeria is unwavering in our commitment to ensuring the team’s success, starting with providing top-tier preparation for the girls,” stated Ocheho.
The team secured their spot after triumphing over Morocco in the quarter-finals of the Africa U-18 Women’s Handball Championship in Monastir, Tunisia, the previous year.
Although they succumbed to Egypt in the semi-finals, they clinched third place in the Nations Cup by overcoming Angola in the playoff match.
Having dominantly performed in the IHF Women’s Trophy during the Africa Zone 3 and continental phases in Ghana and Congo Brazzaville, respectively, they ultimately finished as runners-up in the global championship, losing to Kosovo in the final of the IHF Women’s Trophy Intercontinental Phase in Uzbekistan.