Defending champions France defeated Nigeria 48-19 at the ongoing 2019 IHF Men’s Junior World Championship in Spain.
Nigeria felt the full brunt of that force, as they were clearly defeated in the round one encounter against the 2017 U19 world champions and U20 EHF EURO 2018 silver medallists.
The team led by 2003 All Africa Games bronze medallist, Shittu Agboola and Safety Shooter gaffers, Innocent Chukuwma could not contain the U20 EHF EURO 2018 silver medalists.
France scored four unanswered goals in the opening five minutes, immediately setting the tone for the game.
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After 10 minutes, the European side had created a six-goal lead, and they would only continue to increase the gap as the clock ticked on.
The defence of France often caused Nigeria to shoot wide of the goal or make errors in attack that allowed France to run fast breaks and rapidly increase their lead.
By half-time, the outcome of the match was clearly decided, and France had an easy-going second 30 minutes as they cruised to a decisive victory.
In the second half, Gauthier Ivah came into France’s goal to replace Kieffer, and had a great game, recording a 50% save rate with 10 stops.
Nigeria fought hard but there was no doubt who would claim the two points at the final whistle long before the end of the match.
Nigeria goal scorers are; Nasiru Hassan (7 goals), Suleiman Usman (5 goals), Ibrahim Owolabi and Gbenga Rotibi (2 goals), Mohammed Anas, Gbenga Cole and Anthony Agada (1 goals)
The team consists of Danlami Abdullahi, Agada Anthony, Cole Gbenga, Nasiru Hassan, Anas Mohammed, Serumun Terumun, Atabo Abdullahi, Jamilu Ibrahim, Michael Agbaji, Rotibi Gbenga, Suleiman Usman and Adio Owolabi.
