Handball: Nigeria begin Nations Cup campaign with win over Algeria
Nigeria’s senior men’s handball team continued the nation’s impressive start to the 2026 sporting calendar with a hard-fought 25–23 victory over Algeria at the 27th Africa Men’s Handball Nations Cup in Kigali, Rwanda.
The Group A opener, played on Tuesday at the Petit Stade, saw Nigeria edge past the North Africans after a closely contested encounter.
Displaying composure, discipline and tactical maturity, the Nigerian side seized early control of the contest, racing into a 16–13 lead at half-time before going on to close out the game.
The victory places Nigeria in a strong position in Group A, which also includes hosts Rwanda and Zambia, as they strengthen their bid for a podium finish at the continental championship.
Nigeria will return to action on Thursday against Zambia in their second group match, scheduled for 1:00 pm, as they continue their push at a tournament that also serves as qualification for the 2027 IHF World Men’s Handball Championship in Germany.
