Nigeria suffer extra-time heartbreak against Benin in IHF Nations Trophy

Posted : 07 September 2026

Nigeria’s Senior Women’s Handball team were denied a place in the final of the IHF Women’s Nations Trophy Africa Zone III after Benin Republic snatched a dramatic 38-37 victory following two periods of overtime in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, on Saturday.

The Nigerian side came agonisingly close to securing a place in the final after producing a commanding first-half display and holding a three-goal advantage at the interval.

Under head coach Michael Taangahar, Nigeria started brightly and controlled much of the opening period, taking an 18-15 lead into the break.

Benin, however, returned from the interval with renewed determination and gradually erased Nigeria’s advantage. The two sides battled fiercely for control before Benin finally levelled the contest at 32-32 at the end of regulation time.

The deadlock forced the game into overtime, where neither side was willing to surrender.

Benin edged the first extra period 35-34 before Nigeria responded with renewed pressure in the second. However, the hosts’ resilience eventually paid off as they secured the decisive 38-37 victory to book their place in the final.

Despite the painful defeat, Nigeria’s attacking department produced an impressive display, with Wuraola Nuhu leading the charge with a match-high nine goals.

Haruna Kinan added six goals, while Chinemerem Grace Ahamefula, Daina Saaloo and Lucy Onyekwere contributed four each. Queen Modebe also scored four, while Bilkisu Muhammad and Sadiya Abubakar added two and one respectively.

Nigeria converted five of their six seven-metre throws.

Benin’s comeback was driven by Marina Adjakpa, who scored seven goals, while Fariama Diakite contributed six and Ngala Kanka five.

Ana Patricia Lourenco added four goals, with Cherif Manayou and Pedanou Amorina scoring three apiece. Liade Dessou and Yeloge Renald completed Benin’s scoring with two goals each.

Benin were also more successful from seven metres, converting eight of their 11 opportunities.

With the final now beyond their reach, Nigeria must quickly regroup for the third-place match, where they will have an opportunity to end their campaign with a podium finish.

The narrow defeat will no doubt be disappointing for Taangahar’s side, but the team’s fighting spirit and attacking quality will provide encouragement as they target the bronze medal.

Nigeria suffer extra-time heartbreak against Benin in IHF Nations Trophy

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics