Nigeria’s Arrows suffer first defeat at Africa Men’s Handball Nations Cup

Nigeria’s Senior Men’s handball team, the Golden Arrows, suffered their first defeat in Group A at the ongoing Africa Handball Nations Cup after they lost 24-27 to Angola at the BK Arena, Kigali, Rwanda. Angola took control early in the contest, edging the first half 14–11 after capitalising on key moments and defensive solidity. Despite […]

Nigeria’s Senior Men’s handball team, the Golden Arrows, suffered their first defeat in Group A at the ongoing Africa Handball Nations Cup after they lost 24-27 to Angola at the BK Arena, Kigali, Rwanda.

Angola took control early in the contest, edging the first half 14–11 after capitalising on key moments and defensive solidity.

Despite a spirited response from the Golden Arrows in the second half, the Southern Africans, spurred on by star player Cláudio André Patrício Chicola who netted 14 goals, maintained their composure to see out the game and seal victory.

Nigeria showed resilience after the break, tightening up defensively and finding more rhythm in attack as they attempted to close the gap.

Faruk Yusuf led the Golden Arrows’ scoring chart with 9 goals, while Salami Hakeem provided strong support with 6 goals.

Sulaimon Azeez also made a notable contribution with 4 goals, as Shagari John added 3 goals from the backcourt.

However, Angola’s experience proved decisive in the closing stages, as they held onto their three-goal advantage until the final whistle.

The defeat does not end Nigeria’s push for a semi-final spot, as the Golden Arrows boast a better goal difference than Angola and currently sit second behind Egypt in the semi-final placement standings.

Nigeria will now turn their attention to a crucial clash against Egypt, where a favourable result could secure a place in the final four and potentially seal a long-awaited qualification for the 2027 World Championship in Germany.