By Amaechi Agbo
Nigeria’s Senior Women’s Handball team narrowly missed out on a place in the final of the IHF Women’s Nations Trophy Africa Zone III after suffering a dramatic 38-37 defeat to Benin Republic after two periods of overtime in a fiercely contested semi-final in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, on Saturday.
The Nigerian side, led by head coach Michael Taangahar, produced a spirited and impressive performance, showing tremendous character throughout a contest that remained in the balance from start to finish.
Nigeria dominated the opening half, taking an 18-15 lead into the break, but Benin fought back strongly after the interval to level the scores at 32-32 at the end of regulation time.
The encounter then went into overtime, where the intensity and drama reached another level.
Nigeria continued to fight relentlessly during the extra periods, but Benin edged the first overtime period 35-34 before eventually securing the decisive 38-37 victory in the second overtime.
Despite the defeat, Nigeria’s attacking unit delivered a strong performance, led by Wuraola Nuhu, who was outstanding with a match-high nine goals.
Haruna Kinan added six, while Chinemerem Grace Ahamefula, Daina Saaloo and Lucy Onyekwere scored four goals apiece. Queen Modebe also contributed four goals, while Bilkisu Muhammad and Sadiya Abubakar scored two and one respectively. Nigeria converted five of six seven-metre throws.
Benin Republic, however, displayed remarkable resilience to overturn Nigeria’s first-half advantage and force the game into extra time.
Their attacking threat was spearheaded by Marina Adjakpa, who produced an outstanding performance to finish with seven goals, while Fariama Diakite scored six and Ngala Kanka added five.
Ana Patricia Lourenco contributed four goals, with Cherif Manayou and Pedanou Amorina scoring three goals each, while Liade Dessou and Yeloge Renald added two goals apiece. Benin converted eight of 11 seven-metre opportunities.
Following the defeat, Nigeria will now turn their attention to the third-place match, where they will have another opportunity to finish the competition on the podium.
The team will be hoping to bounce back strongly from the narrow semi-final loss and secure the bronze medal.
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