John Uzor, the head coach of Nigeria’s U-18 women’s handball team, exudes confidence in his team’s ability to secure a qualifying spot for the 2026 Women’s Youth World Handball Championship. The team is diligently preparing for the 2025 African Women’s Youth Handball Championship, scheduled to take place in Oran, Algeria, later this month. Their objective is to replicate or even surpass their remarkable third-place finish at the 2023 edition held in Tunisia, a historic achievement that earned them their first-ever World Championship ticket. Coach Uzor firmly believes that despite the heightened competition, with more participating countries this year, his team possesses the potential to qualify, even if they don’t secure a podium finish. He acknowledges the weight of expectations, especially considering the previous team’s success, and emphasizes their commitment to surpassing the established benchmark.
The upcoming African Women’s Youth Handball Championship in Oran will be a crucial stepping stone for Nigeria’s U-18 women’s team. They are drawn into a challenging Group A alongside formidable opponents such as Angola, Tunisia, Kenya, Benin Republic, and Madagascar. The tournament, running from September 14th to 21st, serves as a qualification platform for both the 2026 Women’s Youth World Handball Championship and the IHF Women’s Intercontinental Phase. Nigeria’s previous success in the 2023 edition, where they clinched the bronze medal after defeating three-time champions Angola, has set a high bar for this year’s team. The team’s ambition is not merely to participate but to make a significant impact on the international stage.
Coach Uzor’s confidence stems from the team’s rigorous preparation and their determination to build upon the previous team’s achievements. He acknowledges that every participating team will come prepared and that a degree of luck is always involved. However, he believes that with adequate preparation and a positive mindset, his team can navigate the challenges and secure their place in the World Championship. He emphasizes the importance of not just matching the previous team’s performance but exceeding it, given the increased competition. The team’s focus remains on securing qualification, with a podium finish being a secondary, albeit desirable, outcome.
The 2023 edition of the African Women’s Youth Handball Championship in Monastir, Tunisia, marked a turning point for Nigerian handball. The U-18 women’s team not only secured a bronze medal but also achieved a historic first-time qualification for the world championship. Their victory over Angola, a team with a strong track record in the competition, demonstrated their potential and signaled their arrival on the continental stage. This success has undoubtedly boosted the team’s morale and fueled their ambition for greater achievements. The upcoming championship in Oran presents an opportunity to consolidate their position and further solidify their presence on the international handball scene.
The increase in participating countries in the 2025 championship signifies the growing popularity and competitiveness of handball in Africa. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Nigeria. The higher level of competition demands even greater preparation and focus from the team. However, it also provides a platform to showcase their talent and measure themselves against some of the best teams on the continent. Coach Uzor’s emphasis on inculcating new strategies and tactics reflects the team’s awareness of the heightened competition and their determination to stay ahead of the curve.
The significance of qualifying for the 2026 Women’s Youth World Handball Championship cannot be overstated. It provides a unique opportunity for the young players to gain invaluable experience on the global stage, compete against the best in the world, and further develop their skills. It also elevates the profile of Nigerian handball and contributes to the growth and development of the sport in the country. The team’s ambition to qualify for the world championship is not just about individual achievement but also about representing their nation and inspiring future generations of handball players. The tournament in Oran is therefore not just a qualifying event but a crucial step in the journey towards establishing Nigeria as a force to be reckoned with in international handball.
