Nigeria held by debutants Benin at Africa Women’s Youth Handball Championship

By Mishael Emmanuel with additional reports 

Nigeria’s female U18 national handball team were held by debutants Benin Republic, in their third group game at the Africa Women’s Youth Handball Championship in Oran, Algeria.

The 2023 bronze medalists were a much improved side compared to the team that lost 50-25 to Tunisia, leading by 2 goals going into the interval.
 
The two-time semifinalists displayed attacking prowess and improved ball circulation but they lacked the composure needed to seal a second victory at the tournament, after an opening day walkover against Madagascar who failed to field a team at the competition, as they failed to build on their 17-15 halftime advantage, allowing a spirited Benin side, a foot back into the game. 
 
Benin capitalizing on Nigeria’s defensive lapses, forcing turnovers and staying just within touching distance as they mounted a strong comeback in the second half.
 
Their persistence paid off as they clawed back to level the score at 31-31, denying Nigeria who have won a medal at every edition of the championship they featured in, the comfort of a second win from three games.
 
Despite the disappointing surrender of a two-goal lead, the result is an improvement for Nigeria, who have struggled with confidence.

The coach John Uzor led side, will look to better their account at the championship when they faceoff against Angola on Thursday, which will be crucial in determining their fate at the competition that also serves as a qualifier to the 2026 Women's Youth World Handball Championship.
 
Tunisia are set to face Benin next, while Kenya have a date to keep with Madagascar, all at the Boutlélis Sports Palace, Oran, Algeria.
 
Nigeria are in Group A of the biennial championship, with group-leaders and two-time champions Tunisia, three-time winners Angola, 2015 semifinalists Kenya, newcomers Benin and Madagascar.
 
Group B houses Defending Champions and five-time winners Egypt, 2022 and 2023 runners-up Guinea, hosts and 2022 bronze medalists Algeria, Burkina Faso, Zambia. With the top two teams from each group advancing to the semifinal.
  
The final of the tournament is scheduled for September 21st.

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