Nigeria’s Under-18 Men’s Handball Team has edged closer to sealing a ticket to the 2027 IHF Men’s Under-19 World Handball Championship after completely overpowering host nation Côte d’Ivoire 31-26 in a high-octane classification clash in Abidjan.

Competing in the high-stakes 5th–8th placement fixtures at the 22nd Africa Men’s Youth Handball Championship, coach Abdulhakim Yakubu’s side displayed relentless tactical discipline and explosive power right from the opening throw-off.

The Nigerian youngsters seized total control on the court early on, defying an aggressive home crowd inside the Palais des Sports to carry a commanding 13-11 lead into the halftime interval.

The second half delivered even more drama as Nigeria turned up the heat. Coach Yakubu’s squad utilized a suffocating defensive press and lightning-fast counter-attacks that tore through the Ivorian backline, leaving the host nation completely helpless.

The impressive five-goal victory places Nigeria on the absolute brink of grabbing one of Africa’s coveted qualification tickets to the global showpiece.

Star playmaker Simon Abaaka produced a masterclass individual display to anchor the team’s relentless attack, deservedly walking away with the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for his game-changing performance.

With Côte d’Ivoire officially knocked out of qualification contention on their own home floor, Nigeria now advances to face the winner of the Cameroon versus Rwanda matchup in a winner-takes-all final placement match.

One more victory will officially punch Nigeria’s ticket to represent the continent among the world’s elite teams at the 2027 World Championship.