Handball coach appeals for ministry assistance ahead of World Cup
Shittu Agboola, head coach of the U-18 women’s handball team, is urging the sports ministry to provide support as they gear up for the Women’s U-18 Handball Championship. The 10th edition of the championship is slated to take place from August 14 to 25 in Chuzhou, People’s Republic of China.
Nigeria finds themselves in Group B, alongside European powerhouse Croatia, Montenegro, and Angola. Coach Agboola's side previously defeated Angola in the third-place match of the 2023 Africa U-18 Women’s Handball Championship in Monastir, Tunisia.
While acknowledging the challenge posed by their tough group, Agboola believes that Nigeria, currently the second-best team globally at the IHF Women’s Trophy 2023/24, has the potential to advance. However, he emphasizes the importance of support from the ministry to aid the team in their preparations.
"The Nigerian team will face formidable opponents such as Croatia, Montenegro, and Angola, all renowned handballing nations. While we hold respect for these teams, we approach the matches without fear, armed with the best strategies to counter them," expressed the coach.
"The Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) has made significant strides in building a competitive team. Since 2023, we've participated in five tournaments, consistently finishing on the podium. We are confident in our capabilities.
"Our primary goal is to progress from the group stage, followed by other objectives. Therefore, we appeal to the Ministry of Sports for assistance in providing optimal preparation. This being our first-ever qualification for the World Championship, extensive support is crucial for prolonged training camp sessions. We remain hopeful that the Ministry of Sports will lend us their support."
Last year marked a historic achievement for Nigeria’s U-18 women’s handball team as they secured their first-ever qualification for the World Championship. This milestone was accomplished after defeating Morocco in the quarter-finals of the Africa U-18 Women’s Handball Championship in Monastir, Tunisia.
Although they faced a setback with a loss to Egypt in the semi-finals, the team bounced back to claim third place in the Nations Cup by defeating Angola in the third-place match.
Prior to their World Championship qualification, the team showcased their dominance in the IHF Women’s Trophy, emerging victorious in both the Africa Zone 3 phase in Ghana and the continental phase in Congo Brazzaville. Despite a commendable performance, they finished as runners-up in the global championship after losing to Kosovo in the final of the IHF Women’s Trophy Intercontinental Phase in Uzbekistan.
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