- The senior male handball team, had a slow start in their opening match against Angola losing 30-24, they lost 17-10 in the first half 17-10 but rallied round to win the second half by 14-13, but that was not enough to undo the slow start of the first half.
Nigeria national handball team started their 2020 Africa Nations Cup campaign with a loss, as they were defeated by Angola in Tunis, Tunisia on Thursday.
The senior male handball team, had a slow start in their opening match against Angola losing 30-24, they lost 17-10 in the first half 17-10 but rallied round to win the second half by 14-13, but that was not enough to undo the slow start of the first half.
Technical Adviser, Rafiu Salami, despite the defeat praised the fighting spirit of the boys in the second half, but bemoaned the slow start of the team in the first half which gave the Angolans the chance to show their superiority.
He however, insisted that the goal of qualifying for the World Cup is still on course as Nigeria would qualify from group B to compete for the world cup ticket.
Salami, urged Nigerians not to give up on the team but continue to support them ahead of the next match against Gabon on Friday (today).
The media assistant to the President, Handball Federation of Nigeria, Cosmos Chukwuemeka, told The reporter that the camp was in good spirit ahead of their second group game against Gabon today.
“The atmosphere is okay despite that defeat in the first game.
“Though, they lost the first half, they won the second half but it wasn’t enough to get them the win but they are fine and feeling comfortable and confident ahead of the game against Gabon.”
