Nigeria, on Thursday night, rallied late on earn a pulsating 32-32 draw against Guadaloupe at the IHF Trophy Intercontinental Phase 2023 holding in San Jose, Costa Rica.

The national under 18 male handball team started the match very poorly and dearly for not taking their chances amidst several turnovers and deservedly lost the first half 19-13 to the impressive Guadaloupe team led by their lady tactician, Coach  Sladjana Topic.

But then Nigeria came back smoking in the second half after some tactical switch as Azeez Olaitan Suliamon became provider in chief with an excellent player of the match performance for the second consecutive time, to earn Nigeria a 19-13 win in the second half which ensured that Nigeria got a vital 32-32 draw with Guadalupe.

But it was the battle of the goalkeepers that kept fans in the BN Arena and those watching the match live via YouTube as Guadaloupe's goalkeeper Wylann Cyprien-Tel saved several of the shots especially fast break from Nigeria while goalkeeper Samuel Obabori was in a fantastic form as he made double saves late on keep Guadalupe at bay especially towards the last seconds when it was 32-32.

Overall, Nigeria had a total of 56 shots same as their opponent which translated to 57% all shot efficiency same as the opponent as well. They are third on the log with 3 points same with Guadalupe but have less goals than their opponent who are in second and just a point behind leaders Georgia who have 4 points.

The Coach Emeka Nnamani tutored side got most of their goals from near the post, the wings, through 9 meters and fast breaks.

Nigeria will play Tahiti on Friday evening at 8pm (WAT)