Head coach of Nigeria’s U-18 women’s handball team, John Uzor, says he is confident his side will qualify for the 2026 Women’s Youth World Handball Championship as they prepare for the 2025 African Women’s Youth Handball Championship in Oran, Algeria.
The competition, which runs from September 14 to 21, will serve as qualifiers for both the 2026 World Cup and the IHF Women’s Intercontinental Phase. Nigeria have been drawn in Group A alongside Angola, Tunisia, Kenya, Benin Republic, and Madagascar.
The team will be looking to build on their breakthrough performance at the 2023 edition in Tunisia, where they secured a historic bronze medal after beating three-time champions Angola 28–24, a result that earned them their first-ever World Championship ticket.
Speaking on the team’s chances, Uzor said he believes Nigeria can either secure a podium finish or, at the very least, one of the qualification slots. “Five teams will qualify, we’ll surely qualify. At least, even if we do not finish on the podium, we are eyeing a spot at the World Cup. That’s the most important thing,” he said.
He added that expectations are high following the success of the previous squad. “The previous set came third two years ago, so much is expected of us — to surpass them or at least maintain the standard. This time around, more countries are coming in to play, and we are doing everything possible to prepare the team to achieve even better.”
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