IHF World Youth Championship: Nnamani Talks Tough Ahead Of Nigeria’s Clash With Macedonia

Head coach of Nigeria’s U19 handball male team, Emeka Nnamani has promised a much-improved performance from his side when they take on tournament hosts Macedonia at the ongoing IHF World Youth Championship.

Nigeria, making her debut at the world championship, lost their first match 28-36 to Bahrain and Nnamani says his team must now kick on in their remaining matches starting with the game against Macedonia.

“Well, under normal circumstances, I am expecting a good match and a win. More also, an injury free match,” he said.

Speaking about the approach his team will employ against Macedonia, Nnamani said, unlike their first game where they allowed Bahrain plenty of space, against Macedonia, his side will employ a “pressing defence” tactic to restrict space and goalscoring opportunities for the opposition while maximizing their own attacking opportunities.

“The defence formation will be changed to 3-in 2 out pressing defence so as not allow them [Macedonia] closer to the line in order to avoid much 7 metre throws as Bahrain had almost nine 7metres throws which ensured their victory against us.

“On the offensive, we will be more disciplined with balls and run with the balls to get goals within a short time,” Nnamani said.

Nigeria will hope to pull a shock victory over Macedonia in order to have a realistic chance of meeting the quarter-final target set for the team by the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN).