Golden Arrows Stumble: Angola Edge Nigeria at African Men’s Handball Championship

Nigeria’s senior men’s handball team, the Golden Arrows, suffered a narrow 27‑24 loss to Angola on Sunday at the 27th African Men’s Handball Nations Cup in Kigali, Rwanda.

Angola opened the scoring early and led 14–11 at half‑time, using strong defence and effective finishing to maintain their advantage into the second half. Despite a spirited comeback from Nigeria — including nine goals from Faruk Yusuf and solid support from Hakeem Salami — Angola held on to their lead until the final whistle.

The defeat ends Nigeria’s unbeaten start in the tournament’s main round and complicates their path to the semi‑finals and possible qualification for the 2027 IHF Men’s World Championship. Nigeria now face a vital clash against defending champions Egypt to keep their hopes alive.