Head coach of Nigeria’s U-18 women’s handball team, John Uzor, is optimistic about his squad’s prospects of qualifying for the 2026 Women’s Youth World Handball Championship, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.
The team is currently preparing for the 2025 African Women’s Youth Handball Championship, scheduled to take place in Oran, Algeria later this month. After their impressive third-place finish at the 2023 tournament in Tunisia — a historic result that earned Nigeria its first entrance to the World Championship — the players are determined to reach new heights.
In an exclusive interview with PUNCH Sports Extra, coach Uzor shared his confidence: “Every team at the tournament is coming in well prepared, but I believe things will work in our favour. Five teams are set to qualify for the World Championship, and I am confident we will secure a spot. Even if we don’t finish on the podium, our main target is to qualify for the World Cup — and I strongly believe we’ll achieve that. Of course, we’re also aiming for a top-three finish if all goes well, but qualification remains our top priority.”
Reflecting on the achievements of the previous squad, Uzor added, “The last team competed in the same tournament two years ago and finished third, so expectations are high for this group. Our aim is either to exceed that result or at least maintain that standard. With more countries entering the fray this year, we’re focused on improving our strategies and team cohesion to go even further.”
Drawn into Group A, Nigeria will take on Angola, Tunisia, Kenya, Benin Republic, and Madagascar in the continental showdown.
The championship is set for September 14 to 21 in Oran, Algeria. It not only serves as a qualifier for the 2026 Women’s Youth World Handball Championship, but also for the IHF Women’s Intercontinental Phase.
At the 2023 edition held in Monastir, Tunisia, Nigeria made history by clinching the bronze medal after dispatching three-time champions Angola 28-24 in the third-place game — a victory that secured their maiden world championship appearance.
