World Cup Dream Ends For Nigeria As Egypt, Tunisia, Three Others Pick African Slots

World Cup Dream Ends For Nigeria As Egypt, Tunisia, Three Others Pick African Slots 

By Niyi Busari 

Nigeria have once again missed out on qualification for the Men’s Handball World Championship after Egypt defeated Tunisia 37–24 to win the 2026 African Men’s Handball Championship, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Nigeria’s Senior Men Handball team, the Golden Arrows, ended their campaign at the 27th Africa Men’s Handball Nations Cup in Kigali, Rwanda, with a 25–20 defeat to Angola in the 5th–6th place classification match at the BK Arena. 

The defeat not only brought Nigeria’s campaign to a close but also ended their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 IHF World Championship in Germany, as Angola claimed Africa’s fifth World Cup qualification slot by virtue of the win.

The result confirmed World Championship qualification for Egypt, Tunisia, Angola, Cape Verde and Algeria, leaving Nigeria among the teams that returned from the tournament without a ticket to the global showpiece.

Egypt’s dominant victory in the final secured their 10th continental title, drawing them level with Tunisia as the most successful nations in the history of the competition. It was also the Pharaohs’ fourth consecutive African crown.

Egypt set the tone early in the final, controlling the tempo from the opening minutes and building a commanding lead that Tunisia struggled to reduce. By halftime, the champions were firmly in control at 17–10.

The pattern of the game remained unchanged after the break. Egypt’s disciplined defence and rapid transitions continued to frustrate the Tunisian attack, while their efficiency in front of goal ensured the gap remained wide. The contest ended with a comprehensive 13-goal margin.

Egypt had reached the final with a 32–26 semi-final victory over Cape Verde, while Tunisia booked their place with a 33–24 win against Algeria. Cape Verde went on to secure the bronze medal after defeating Algeria 29–23 in the third-place playoff.

The championship also served as the African qualifying tournament for the 2027 Men’s Handball World Championship in Germany, with Egypt, Tunisia, Angola, Cape Verde and Algeria all sealing their places.