Nigeria was on Sunday handed a rare defeat by their Guinean counterpart, on Day-2 of the 19th African Women’s Handball Championship, holding in the Tunisian city of Monastir.
Having began the tournament on a bright note by beating Algeria in Saturday’s opener; the Nigerian ladies were bullish going into the game against familiar foes, Guinea.
It was the second match of the championship, for both sides and the Guinean ladies who were twice beaten at the International Handball Federation (IHF) African trophy challenge in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire; won it with a 23-20 scoreline.
The vengeful Guinean side drew their first match of the championship 18-18 against host nation Tunisia, apparently resolved to throw everything into the game against Nigeria, and their strategy paid off as they led by five goals 13-8 at the break.
Sunday, was a day to forget for the Coach Shittu Agboola tutored team; as they gave away a lot of turnovers and didn’t take their chances when attacking their opponent’s goal.
On the other hand, the Guineans were the better side, especially in their defensive play; until the second half, when Nigeria regrouped and were a bit more purposeful; while trying to avoid the several mistakes of the first half.
However, the Guinean ladies refused to bark-down, and Nigeria were restricted to playing catch-up, until Guinea eventually held out for a thrilling victory.
Nigeria made a winning return to the competition on Saturday, after a hiatus of 23 years with victory against Algeria. But they did not have it all their own way as the closely fought first half, ended in a pulsating 10-10; before Nigeria won it with a classy 28-18 thrashing of Algeria.
Monday is rest day for Nigeria, but the ladies will be back on the court at 6.30pm on Tuesday, knowing that they have to be at their best, to stand a chance of beating Tunisia, the tournament’s host county.
