By Aderonke Ojo
Nigeria’s Senior Men Handball Team, the Golden Arrows, produced a commanding performance to defeat host nation Rwanda 30–20, sealing top spot in Group A at the ongoing Africa Men’s Handball Nations Cup in Kigali.
Reacting to the result, the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, praised the team’s performance and reaffirmed the Commission’s athlete-focused approach.
“When you take proper care of the athletes, they respond with results. This victory and our consistent presence on the medals table reflect the foundation we have laid since assuming office. Athlete welfare remains central to our success story,” Hon. Olopade said.
Hakeem Salami racked up eight goals, with by Yusuf Faruk hitting 5, while Iyor Tyer Sessugh and Dikko Ibrahim added three goals each. Mohammed Mustapha and Rotibi Victor also contributed two goals apiece, underlining a balanced team effort.
Goalkeeper Michael Solomon delivered a standout performance, making a series of vital saves to neutralise Rwanda’s attacking threat led by Yves Kayijamahe, who scored 11 goals. Solomon’s display earned him the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for the second time in three matches at the tournament.
The win confirms Nigeria as Group A winners, and the Golden Arrows will now face Angola, runners-up in Group B, in the quarterfinals on Sunday.