The national U23 male handball team earned a first victory at the ongoing IHF Emerging Nations Tournament in Georgia with a 40-13 obliteration of Malta on Wednesday.

Nigeria started like a house on fire racing to a 22-9 scoreline in the first half before adding 18 more goals in the second half whilst conceding just four goals to leave the Maltese firmly in the shade.

Philip Kalu score nine goals and was voted the most valuable player in the encounter.

The U23 side have now won one, lost two and drawn one of their four matches at the international tournament.

Nigeria are fourth in group B with 3 points and next face the USA.