Nigeria’s U-20 men’s handball team suffered their first defeat at the 33rd African Men’s Junior Handball Championship in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, after losing 25–20 to Angola on Sunday.

The defeat came in Nigeria’s second Group B match of the championship and followed an impressive 23–17 victory over Algeria in their opening fixture. 

The Nigerian youngsters, coached by Emmanuel David, started brightly against Angola and remained competitive during a closely fought first half.

However, Angola gradually gained the upper hand and went into the interval with a narrow 17–15 advantage.

Nigeria returned from the break determined to overturn the deficit, but Angola remained composed and effectively managed the game.

The West Africans struggled to reduce the gap as Angola maintained its advantage before eventually securing a five-goal victory.

The result leaves Nigeria needing a strong response in their final Group B fixture against Madagascar on Tuesday.

Despite the setback, Nigeria’s victory over Algeria in their opening match means their qualification hopes remain alive heading into the decisive final group game.

Goalkeeper Samuel Obabori Aduralare was the standout performer in the victory over Algeria, earning the Player of the Match award after an impressive display between the posts. 

Nigeria will now turn its attention to Madagascar, knowing that a positive result will be crucial to their hopes of advancing from Group B.

The 33rd African Men’s Junior Handball Championship is being staged in Abidjan, with Nigeria drawn alongside two-time champions Algeria, Angola and Madagascar in Group B. 

For Coach David and his players, the immediate task will be to recover quickly from the Angola defeat and produce the required response against Madagascar.

With the group still finely poised, Nigeria cannot afford another slip as the junior handball side battles to remain in contention for honours in Côte d’Ivoire.