HANDBALL: NIGERIA'S U-18s LOSE TO CHILE IN IHF WOMEN'S CHAMPIUONSHIP OPENER

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Nigeria’s U-18 team narrowly lost to Chile 22-23 on Sunday, August 18, 2024, in their President’s Cup Group A opening match at the ongoing 2024 International Handball Federation (IHF) Women’s U-18 Championship in Chuzhou, China.

After the conclusion of the preliminary stage, Nigeria qualified for the President’s Cup, having missed out on the main round.

During the preliminary stage, Nigeria’s U-18s lost their first Group B match to Croatia, 33-11, and fell to Montenegro, 26-9, but managed to secure a win against Angola, 29-21.

These results placed them third in Group B, advancing them to the President’s Cup, while Croatia and Montenegro, who finished first and second respectively, qualified for the main round.

In their President’s Cup opener against Chile, Nigeria ended the first half trailing by a point, 11-10. Despite a tie in the second half, 12-12, the match ended with a narrow 22-23 defeat.

This loss places Nigeria in second place, with Austria leading the group, while Chile and Angola occupy the third and fourth positions, respectively.

Nigeria will next face group leaders Austria, while Angola will take on Chile on Tuesday, August 20.