A disappointing Spain 2019 campaign did not become a total disaster for Japan as they managed to beat Nigeria in their first match of the 17-20 placement round to set up a President’s Cup final (17/18 place play-off) tomorrow and thus avoid a joint-worst 19th or worst-ever 20th ranking at an IHF Men’s Junior World Championship.

Placement Round 17-20
Japan vs Nigeria 26:16 (14:6)
As Travesas Sports Hall, Vigo

With just 12 players to choose from, coach Shittu Adewunmi Olumide probably knew his Nigerian side would have problems against the fast-paced Japan, who were highly-motivated to win, knowing that a loss could have resulted in that worst-ever ranking in the history of the IHF Men’s Junior World Championship.

And he had cause to worry early on, as Japan were 5:0 up within eight minutes and Olumide took his first time out. But his side did not open their scoring account until the ninth minute and managed just one more goal as the Asian team moved up to a 10-goal lead (12:2 – 21st minute).

The game was over as a contest at half-time as Nigeria could only manage six strikes, but the second half was more competitive as Japan eased off and Nigeria pushed them, scoring 10 times in the second period compared to 12 from Akira Yoshimura’s Japan side.

“We can only congratulate Japan,” said Nigeria coach Olumide to SpainHandball19.com. “They are a talented team who deserves to be in the fight for the President's Cup. “We have to improve so we can win the next, and last, game.”

“I am happy for the result of my team,” said Japan coach Yoshimura after the game. “We have worked hard and today everything went perfectly; we controlled the ball and the rhythm of the game, and everything was easier.”

Japan will now play Bahrain tomorrow (Thursday 25 July) in the President’s Cup final while Nigeria face a tough test against Kosovo in the early match with both sides eager to not finish in bottom place.

Best Player of the Match: Rennesuke Tokuda (JPN)