Abuja-based handball club and debutants in the ongoing 3rd edition of North-Central Handball Championship, Poverty Fighters on Monday morning showed gallantry and stoicism as they lost narrowly to Prudent Energy Handball Premier League side, Niger United of Minna, Niger State
In a match watched by a handful of spectators and officials in Makurdi, Benue State, the Poverty Fighters lost the grip of the game, out of respect though, in the first period with a score of 17-10.
However, the Fighters grew in strength and resurgency in the second period to the dismay of their established opponents.
Through determination and classis tactical manoeuvring, the Fighters clawed back into the match with mesmerizing display.
From 17-10 down in the first period, they narrowed the scoreline to 29-27 in the final whistle to the utmost relief of the Minna based opponents.
In his post match reaction, Coach Abdullahi Jibrin said the result was disappointing but added that Niger United’s experience came handy in the latter stage of the game
“It was a disappointing result for us. The boys deserve a draw in this match but our opponents had the upper hand in the closing stages due to experience.
“We keep growing along in the competition and will continue to push ahead”, he said.
The Abuja boys have recorded a draw, win and a loss in their three games so far. They drew against Benue Buffaloes, won Nasarawa Ambassador 30-21 before their narrow defeat on Monday.
Poverty Fighters will continue their fairy-tale show at the ongoing 3rd edition of the North-Central Handball Championship on Tuesday with a clash against Plateau Vipers by 7:30am
