Nigeria’s Under-18 Men’s Handball team moved within one victory of qualifying for the 2027 IHF Men’s Under-19 Handball World Championship after defeating hosts Côte d’Ivoire 31-26 in their 5th–8th placement match at the 22nd Africa Men’s Youth Handball Championship in Abidjan on Monday.

The Coach Abdulhakim Yakubu-tutored side produced a composed performance to overcome the home team by five goals and keep their qualification hopes firmly alive.

Nigeria established a 13-11 advantage by half-time before maintaining control after the restart, eventually completing the victory with a 31-26 scoreline.

The Nigerian youngsters showed good composure in a match that carried significant importance, particularly with a place at the global championship now within reach.

Simon Abaaka was recognised as the Most Valuable Player of the match following an impressive individual performance that contributed to Nigeria’s important victory.

The result means Nigeria will now contest another decisive placement encounter against the winner of the other 5th–8th classification match between Cameroon and Rwanda.

That fixture will carry even greater significance, with a victory guaranteeing Nigeria a fifth-place finish at the continental championship.

More importantly, finishing fifth would secure Nigeria one of Africa’s five qualification tickets to the 2027 IHF Men’s Under-19 Handball World Championship.

The Nigerian team therefore needs just one more victory to complete its qualification mission and earn a place on the global stage.

For Coach Yakubu and his players, the victory over Côte d’Ivoire provides renewed momentum ahead of the decisive encounter, with the team now within touching distance of achieving its major objective in Abidjan.

A successful conclusion to the campaign would not only secure World Championship qualification but also give the young Nigerians valuable international experience as they continue their development on the African handball stage.