Nigeria Trash Togo 53–21 in Dominant Start to IHF Trophy Africa Zone 3 Campaign
Nigeria’s U-18 women’s handball team delivered a powerful statement of intent on Sunday, thrashing Togo 53–21 in their opening match of the 2025 IHF Trophy Africa Zone 3 tournament.
From the first whistle at the Palais des Sports in Abidjan, the Nigerian side asserted their dominance, racing to a 21–8 lead by halftime.
Their fast-paced style, orchestrated by coaches John Uzor and Bukola Duru, relied heavily on rapid ball rotation and relentless fast breaks that left the Togolese team struggling to keep pace.
“We focused on intensity and quick transitions, and the girls executed perfectly,” said Coach Uzor after the match. “This is the level we want to maintain throughout the tournament.”
Despite Nigeria’s emphatic win, the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award surprisingly went to a Togolese player, a decision that raised eyebrows among fans and pundits. However, Coach Uzor dismissed any controversy, emphasizing that the team’s overall performance mattered far more than individual recognition.
“We came here to win matches and qualify,” he added. “Individual awards are nice, but what counts is the scoreboard.”
The Nigerian team’s cohesion and sharp attacking instincts proved too much for Togo, who struggled with turnovers and defensive lapses. Every player in the Nigerian squad contributed to the scoring, showcasing the depth and versatility of the team.
Nigeria will look to carry this momentum into their next fixture against Burkina Faso, scheduled for Monday morning at 9 a.m.
Meanwhile, the country’s U-20 women’s team is set to face Togo later that day at 3 p.m., aiming to replicate the U-18 squad’s stellar opening.
With such a dominant start, Nigeria has positioned itself as a strong contender in the regional tournament, eyeing qualification for the continental stage of the IHF Trophy.
