Nigeria’s U20 men’s handball team will face Tunisia in the semi-finals of the 2026 African Men’s Junior Handball Championship in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, on Friday, September 11.

The Nigerian youngsters booked their place in the last four after defeating Guinea 28–23 in Wednesday’s quarter-final, a victory that also secured the country’s qualification for the 2027 IHF Men’s U21 World Championship.  

The five-goal victory was enough to keep Nigeria’s continental title ambitions alive while guaranteeing the team a place on the global stage.

Nigeria will now face a strong Tunisian side for a place in the final. Tunisia reached the semi-finals after defeating the Democratic Republic of Congo 36–20 in their quarter-final encounter.  

The other semi-final will see Angola take on Egypt, setting up another heavyweight contest as the four remaining teams battle for a place in the championship final.

For Nigeria, Friday’s encounter presents an opportunity to build on the confidence gained from the quarter-final success and move within one victory of continental glory.

The qualification for the 2027 IHF Men’s U21 World Championship has already given the Nigerian squad a major reward for its campaign in Abidjan, but the team will be determined to go beyond qualification and challenge for the African crown.

The Nigerian side will therefore enter the Tunisia clash with both continental honours and momentum on the line as the junior championship reaches its decisive stage.

The tournament has also provided an important platform for Nigeria’s emerging handball talents to gain high-level international experience ahead of their transition to senior competition.