Nigeria Open Handball Nations Cup Victory Over Algeria

Nigeria’s Senior Men Handball Team, the Golden Arrows, began their campaign at the 27th Africa Men’s Handball Nations Cup on a winning note with a hard-fought 25–23 victory over Algeria on Wednesday in Kigali, Rwanda.

The encounter, played at the Petit Stade, saw Nigeria take early control and head into the break with a 16–13 first-half advantage, thanks to a disciplined defensive display and efficient finishing in attack.

Algeria mounted a strong fightback after the restart, closing the gap and testing Nigeria’s resolve, but the Golden Arrows held firm in the closing minutes to secure a deserved two points at the end of regulation time.

Key contributions came from Faruk Yusuf, who provided leadership and goals from the backcourt, while John Shagari was influential on the left flank.

In goal, Okwor Obinna produced crucial saves at decisive moments to frustrate the Algerians and preserve Nigeria’s narrow lead.

The win places Nigeria in a strong position in Group A, which also features hosts Rwanda and Zambia.

The Golden Arrows will return to action on Thursday, when they face Zambia in their second group match.

The tournament serves as qualifiers for the 2027 World Men’s Handball Championship in Germany.

Only three countries have won the tournament. Tunisia, winner of the first edition, has won the title a record ten times. Egypt, with nine titles, and Algeria, with seven titles, are the only two other teams to have won the competition.

Nigeria has featured in the Africa Handball Nations Cup 15 times since first qualifying for the championship in Tunisia in 1974 with best performance being a 4th-place finish in 1998 in South Africa.