Benin claimed the inaugural Women’s IHF Nations Trophy – Africa Zone III after a dramatic 29–28 victory over Côte d’Ivoire in the final in Ouagadougou.
Côte d’Ivoire had already beaten Benin in the group stage, but the rematch ended differently. Benin led 17–15 at half-time and managed to hold off their opponents’ comeback to secure the title.
The biggest drama had come in the semi-final, where Benin recovered from five goals down against Nigeria with 12 minutes remaining. The teams were level at 32–32 after 60 minutes before Benin eventually prevailed 38–37 after extra time.
Marina Adjakpa and Farima Diakite were crucial in that comeback, combining for 13 goals.
Nigeria took bronze after beating hosts Burkina Faso 31–23, while Ghana finished fifth ahead of Togo and Liberia.
The victory gives Benin more than the first-ever IHF Nations Trophy title in Africa Zone III. The champions have also secured a place at the 2026 CAHB African Women’s Handball Championship in Tunisia in December.
The tournament is part of the IHF’s new senior Nations Trophy structure, designed to provide more international competition and clearer pathways towards continental championships.