Nigeria’s senior men’s handball team, the Golden Arrows, have kept their aspirations for the 2027 IHF Men’s World Championship alive with a hard-fought 30–28 win against Guinea. The tense encounter took place in the 5th–8th place play-off at the 27th Africa Men’s Handball Nations Cup in Kigali, Rwanda.

This play-off serves as Africa’s pathway to secure the continent’s fifth spot at the 2027 World Championship in Germany. The Golden Arrows demonstrated remarkable grit and composure, particularly after being reduced to six players in the first half following a red card for Faruk Yusuf. Despite this setback, Nigeria held a slender 16–14 lead at the break and maintained their intensity to fend off a determined Guinea side.

Azeez Sulaiman was named Most Valuable Player for his outstanding performance, netting eight goals, a tally matched by John Shagari, who also played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s attack.

The victory sets up a decisive 5th-place play-off against Angola, who defeated Morocco 27-20. The winner of this clash will secure a coveted place at the 2027 World Championship. A win would mark Nigeria’s return to the global stage for the first time since 1999. With momentum on their side, the Golden Arrows are now focused on this final hurdle in their quest for a historic World Cup qualification. (LEADERSHIP)