Nigeria defeat Burkina Faso to claim bronze at IHF Women’s Nations Trophy

Nigeria defeat Burkina Faso to claim bronze at IHF Women’s Nations Trophy

Nigeria’s Senior Women’s Handball team finished third at the IHF Women’s Nations Trophy Africa Zone III after defeating hosts Burkina Faso 31–23 in the bronze medal match on Sunday in Ouagadougou.

The Nigerian side, coached by Michael Taangahar, took control of the encounter from the start, ending the first half with a comfortable 16–11 lead at the Palais des Sports de Ouaga 2000.

Nigeria continued to hold the advantage in the second half, scoring 15 goals against Burkina Faso’s 12 to seal a convincing 31–23 victory and claim the bronze medal.

Wuraola Nuhu was Nigeria’s top scorer with 11 goals which earned her an MVP award for the match, while Kinnan Haruna added five. Saaoloo Daina scored four, with Grace Ahamfefula and Lucy Onyekwere contributing three goals each. Mercy Audu and Sadiya Abubakar scored two goals apiece, while Balikisu Muhammad added one.

Nigeria were also perfect from the seven-metre line, converting both of their attempts, while Burkina Faso converted all seven of their seven-metre throws.

The victory means Nigeria ended their campaign on a winning note and secured third place in the Africa Zone III competition.

Meanwhile, Benin Republic were crowned champion following a tight 29-28 victory over Ivory Coast. As champions, they have earned qualification for the 2026 CAHB African Women’s Handball Championship later in the year.