African Games: Heartbreak for Nigeria as back-to-back defeats shatter gold medal hopes in handball

Nigeria's hopes of clinching gold in the handball event at the 13th African Games were dashed on Wednesday as they suffered a defeat against DR Congo in the semifinal clash, marking back-to-back losses for the Golden Arrows in Ghana.

Despite entering the match with aspirations of making history, Nigeria found themselves outplayed by a disciplined and defensively resolute DR Congo side that went on to register a crushing 29-20 win.

The encounter saw Coach Rafiu Salami's men struggle with turnovers, ultimately proving costly as their opponents capitalized on their chances to secure a well-deserved victory.

With their gold medal dreams shattered, Nigeria now turns its focus to the third-place playoff against Benin Republic on Friday at 3 pm for a chance to leave with a bronze medal at least.

The Golden Arrows, no strangers to the podium, having clinched three bronze medals in previous editions (Cairo 1991, Harare 1995, and Abuja 2003), will aim to salvage their campaign with a victory over Benin Republic.

Prior to their semifinal setback, Nigeria faced Egypt in the group stage, suffering a narrow 27-25 defeat in a tightly contested encounter.

Despite a valiant effort, turnovers proved to be Nigeria's Achilles' heel, ultimately costing them victory.

Not even the presence of Kwara State Governor Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the Borteyman Sports Complex in Accra, Ghana, could inspire the Nigerians past their spirited opponents.

Despite finishing second in Group A with four points, Nigeria's path to the final was halted by DR Congo's dominant performance.

However, with redemption on their minds, the Golden Arrows remain determined to secure a podium finish and add to their illustrious handball legacy.