Handball Nations Cup: Nigeria Seal Group A Triumph, Set Up Angola Clash
Nigeria’s senior men’s handball team, the Golden Arrows, produced a commanding performance to defeat host nation Rwanda 30–20 at the Africa Men’s Handball Nations Cup in Kigali, securing top spot in Group A.
The clash at the BK Arena saw Nigeria take control from the outset, establishing a 14–10 lead at halftime through disciplined defending and sharp attacking play.
Coach Rafiu Salami’s side tightened their grip after the break, combining resolute defence with swift counterattacks to pull clear and seal a convincing victory.
Hakeem Salami spearheaded the attack with eight goals, consistently troubling the Rwandan defence. He was ably supported by Yusuf Faruk, who netted five, while IyorTyer Sessugh and Dikko Ibrahim added three apiece.
Mohammed Mustapha and Rotibi Victor also contributed two goals each, underlining Nigeria’s balanced offensive spread.
Goalkeeper Michael Solomon was pivotal to the win, producing a string of crucial saves to frustrate Rwanda’s leading scorer Yves Kayijamahe, who finished with 11 goals.
Solomon’s heroics earned him the Most Valuable Player award for the second time in three matches, further highlighting his importance to the team’s campaign.
With this emphatic result, Nigeria confirmed their place as Group A winners and will now face Angola, the runners-up from Group B, in Sunday’s quarter-final showdown.
