Handball Nations Cup: Nigeria Defeats Algeria to Begin Campaign on Winning Note
Nigeria’s Senior Men’s Handball Team, the Golden Arrows, opened their campaign at the 27th Africa Men’s Handball Nations Cup with a hard-fought 25–23 victory over Algeria in their Group A opener on Tuesday in Kigali, Rwanda.
The match, played at the Petit Stade, saw Nigeria take early control and head into halftime with a 16–13 lead, built on disciplined defending and sharp attacking play.
Algeria responded strongly in the second half, narrowing the gap and putting Nigeria under pressure, but the Golden Arrows held their nerve in the closing stages to secure the win and claim two valuable points.
Faruk Yusuf led from the backcourt with crucial goals and leadership, while John Shagari impressed on the left flank.
Goalkeeper Okwor Obinna also played a decisive role, producing key saves that frustrated the Algerians and ensured Nigeria’s slim advantage was maintained until the final whistle.
The victory puts Nigeria in a promising position in Group A, which also includes hosts Rwanda and Zambia.
The Golden Arrows will next face Zambia on Thursday at 1:00 p.m. as they continue their push for a podium finish in the continental championship, which doubles as qualifiers for the 2027 World Men’s Handball Championship in Germany.
