Tojemarine Invitational Handball: ASPAC survives marathon semi-final against SOOF

Editor

A dramatic and unprecedented women’s semifinal between SOOF and ASPAC of the Benin Republic stole the spotlight on Day Six of the 2026 Tojemarine Invitational Handball Championship as the Beninese side prevailed 7-6 on penalties after a pulsating contest that remained deadlocked through regulation and two periods of extra time. The game was played on Wednesday at the Sports Hall of the National Institute for Sports, Surulere, Lagos.

In what will go down as one of the most thrilling matches in the history of handball in Nigeria and the West African region, SOOF and ASPAC were inseparable after regulation time ended 25-25, with SOOF holding a narrow 14-13 halftime advantage. 

The drama intensified in the first 10-minute extra-time period as both sides remained level at 27-27, before another 10-minute period failed to separate them as the contest ended 34-34. 

With neither team willing to surrender, the encounter was eventually decided by penalties, where ASPAC held their nerve to secure a 7-6 victory and a place in the final.

The second women’s semifinal was equally competitive as Flowers of the Benin Republic defeated Seasider Babes 20-18. 

Both sides were tied at 8-8 at halftime, but Flowers produced a stronger second-half performance to book their place in an all-Benin Republic final against ASPAC.

In the men’s category, hosts Tojemarine Handball Club continued their impressive run with a commanding 26-18 victory over ASPAC. 

Tojemarine established control early, taking an 11-7 lead into halftime before sealing an eight-goal victory to advance to the championship match. 

The second semifinal between Niger United and Energie of the Benin Republic was another closely contested affair. After regulation time ended 24-24, with Energie leading 11-10 at halftime, Niger United stepped up in extra time to claim a hard-fought 29-27 victory and secure the remaining place in the final.

The results set up an exciting finale to the championship, with ASPAC and Flowers set to battle for the women’s crown, while hosts and former Nigeria champions Tojemarine Handball Club will face Niger United, also former Nigeria champions, in what promises to be a thrilling men’s final.