Nigeria’s Women’s Under-18 Handball team defeated Kenya 37-35, wrapping up their group stage campaign at the ongoing Africa Women’s Youth Handball Championship in Oran, Algeria.

In the match played on Friday, Nigeria led 18-14 at half-time, displaying early dominance and composure before Kenya mounted a spirited second-half fightback.

 Despite the pressure, Nigeria held firm in the closing minutes to secure a narrow victory, finishing their group stage run on a positive note.

 Nigeria placed third in Group A with five points, behind Tunisia and Angola, who earned 10 and eight points, respectively.

 Nigeria will now face host nation Algeria in the fifth-place playoff on Saturday at 4 p.m.

 Recall that Nigeria lost 50-25 to Tunisia in their opening match on Tuesday.

 They then drew 31-31 with Benin on Wednesday in their second group fixture.

 Nigeria narrowly lost 23-20 to Angola in their third group game on Thursday.

 The 2025 African Women’s Youth Handball Championship, which began on September 14 in Oran, will end on September 21.

The tournament also doubles as a qualifier for the 2026 Women’s Youth World Handball Championship.

(NAN)