Nigeria stumbles against Angola but keep semi-final hopes alive at Africa Men’s Handball Nations Cup

Nigeria’s Senior Men Handball team, the Golden Arrows, recorded their first defeat in Group A of the main draw of the Final Eight at the 27th Africa Men’s Handball Nations Cup after a 27–24 loss 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.

Further efforts came from Mohammed Mustapha and Iyortyer Sessugh, who scored a goal apiece, while goalkeeper Michael Solomon once again stood firm between the posts with several crucial saves that kept Nigeria in contention for long spells of the encounter.

However, Angola’s experience proved decisive in the closing stages, as they held on to 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 its 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.