Nigeria’s U-18 men’s handball team came agonizingly close to glory but fell just short in the IHF Trophy Intercontinental Phase final, losing 34-30 to hosts, Kosovo, after overtime on Sunday in Pristina.
The team, led by head coach Emeka Nnamani, had entered the match determined to avenge an earlier group-stage defeat against the hosts, and for large parts of the contest, it seemed they would succeed.
A Tense Battle Ends in Overtime Heartbreak
The final was an intense, end-to-end affair, with both sides showcasing high defensive discipline and rapid counter-attacks.
At halftime, the game was delicately poised at 13-13, with Nigeria holding firm against Kosovo’s aggressive attacking play.
In the second half, Nigeria took control, outscoring their opponents and establishing a 26-24 lead with less than three minutes to play.
Star duo, Christian Foloki and Mustapha Mohammed had combined for 13 goals, putting Nigeria on the brink of victory.
However, with the match slipping away, Kosovo’s Amar Muqolli inspired a late comeback, scoring two quick goals to force overtime and reignite the hopes of the home crowd.
With momentum now on their side, Kosovo dominated the extra period, eventually securing a 34-30 victory to be crowned champions.
Another Final Heartbreak for Nigeria
This marks Nigeria’s second runner-up finish in the IHF Trophy’s Intercontinental Phase, having also lost the 2019 final to Chinese Taipei. In the 2023 edition, they finished third.
The defeat is even more painful as victory would have secured qualification for the IHF Men’s Youth World Championship later this year.
Mohammed Shines Despite Defeat
Despite the loss, Mustapha Mohammed emerged as the tournament’s top scorer, netting 43 goals—13 more than Kosovo’s Muqolli (30 goals) and Granit Kadiri (29 goals).
In the bronze medal match, USA edged Uzbekistan 36-34, securing a place on the podium.
What’s Next for Nigeria?
While missing out on World Championship qualification is a major setback, Nigeria’s impressive performance proves they are among the best emerging teams in world handball.
With a talented squad and valuable experience gained, they will now shift focus to upcoming continental tournaments, hoping to finally break their final curse and claim gold in future competitions.
