Nigeria’s Handball team ends 21-Year medal drought at African Games
In a historic moment for Nigerian handball, the national team has secured a medal at the African Games for the first time in 21 years.
The team, which emerged as the youngest squad in the event, clinched the Bronze medal after a resounding 38-20 victory over Benin in the third-place match.
This achievement marks the end of Nigeria’s long-standing medal drought at the African Games since COJA 2003.
The team’s journey to the podium was not without its challenges, as they faced disappointment in the semifinal clash against DR Congo earlier in the tournament.
Despite entering the match with high hopes of clinching gold, Nigeria suffered a setback against DR Congo, experiencing back-to-back losses in the competition.
The Golden Arrows found themselves outplayed by a disciplined and defensively resolute DR Congo side, resulting in a crushing 29-20 defeat.
Coach Rafiu Salami’s men encountered difficulties with turnovers during the semifinal clash, which ultimately proved costly as their opponents capitalized on scoring opportunities to secure the win.
Despite this setback, the Nigerian team showed resilience and determination in the bronze medal match against Benin, delivering a dominant performance to secure their spot on the podium.
The triumph of Nigeria’s handball team serves as a testament to the talent and potential within the country’s sporting landscape.
With their historic achievement, the team has not only ended a two-decade-long medal drought but has also inspired hope for future success and growth in Nigerian handball.
