Ardova Handball Premier League: Niger Utd, Safety Babes begin title chase with victories
Niger United and Safety Babes began their defense of their titles with victories at the first phase of the Ardova Handball Premier League 2024 which commenced on Monday in Benin City, the Edo State Capital.
Niger United, 2023 champion in the men category, started the match with the same vigour that earned them the title last year especially in the first half but had to really dig deep to thwart the onslaught from Benue Buffaloes spurred on by MVP performance from Chahul Joshua, to earn a 33-28 victory over the Markudi top side.
Other matches in the men category saw 2023 Ardova Handball Premier League runners- up, Tojemarine Academy with an exceptional Isiaka Muhammed, defeat new comers, Adamawa Warriors 47-33 while three times Kano Pillars left it late to win Correction Boys 18-17.
Former Champion Safety Shooters made mince meat of newly promoted Sunshine Kings with 27-12 victory while De Defenders edged out Seasider Boys of Lagos with a 25-22 victory.
In the women category, defending champion, Safety Babes continued their winning streak from last season as they defeated newly promoted COAS Babes 31-18 while experienced Imo Grasshoppers showed their intention to be different this season as they defeated Defender Babes 29-27.
Rima Queens and Rivers Queens played out 29-29 draw while Seasider Babes shocked the home fans as they ruthlessly defeated Bendel Dynamos 34-19.
Former Champion Plateau Peacocks defeated Delta Queens 30-26
Results of Day 1 Matches
Male
1) Niger United 33 — 28 Benue Buffaloes
2) Tojemarine Academy 47– 33 Adamawa Warriors
3) Correction Boys 17– 18 Kano Pillars
4) Safety Shooters 27– 12 Sunshine Kings
5) Confluence Stars 00– 10 ( W/O) Rima Strikers
6) Lagos Seasiders 22– 25 D:Defenders
Female
1) COAS Babes 18 — 31 Safety Babes
2) Defender Babes 27 — 29 Imo Grasshoppers
3) Rima Queens 22– 29 Rivers Queens
4) Bendel Dynamos 19– 34 Seasider Babes
5) Delta Queens 26 — 30 Plateau Peacocks
