Impressive Fightback as Tojemarine Academy, Imo Grasshoppers Get Vital Wins in Ardova Handball Premier League 2025 Day 3 

Defending champions Tojemarine Academy pulled off a dramatic second-half comeback to defeat a spirited Adamawa Warriors side 29–27 on Day 3 of the ongoing Ardova Handball Premier League 2025 Phase 1 in Benin City, Edo State.

Tojemarine, who lost their first match to COAS Shooters, trailed 12–16 to Adamawa Warriors at halftime, but a rejuvenated second-half performance, marked by relentless pressing and accurate shooting, saw the defending champion overturn the deficit and secure a hard-fought win which is their second victory of the league.

In other matches in the men’s category, Rima Strikers outclassed Lagos Seasiders 32–17 after going into the break trailing 14–16 while Niger United maintained their solid start to the season with a 21–17 victory over Benue Buffaloes.  An 11–8 halftime lead provided a foundation for their victory

Safety Shooters outgunned De Defenders 38–27 while COAS Shooters recorded a dominant 25–13 victory over Osun United. Led by Adeshola Adelakun who contributed 10 goals in the match, the Nigeria Army boys were in total control from start to finish, leading 14–4 at halftime to set a pace for the onslaught.

In the women’s category, Rima Queens defeated Rivers Queens 33–23, after a commanding 16–8 first-half performance while Imo Grasshoppers also picked up a crucial win, edging Ekiti Queens 29–27 in a closely contested game.
The Grasshoppers rallied from a 10–15 first-half deficit, showing grit and determination to snatch victory late on in the match.

Plateau Peacocks completed the day’s fixtures in the women’s category with a 26–21 comeback win over debutants Soof Omo Ogiefo. Peacocks trailed 11–12 at halftime but Goalkeeper Deborah Landan inspired saves helped the Jos based team turn the tide in the second half with disciplined defending and efficient shooting.

RESULTS OF DAY 3

FEMALE::

1) Rivers Queens–Rima Queens 23–33 (08–16). 

2) Imo Grasshoppers–Ekiti Queens 29–27 (10–15). 

3) Plateau Peacocks– Soof Omo Ogiefo  26–21 (11–12). 

MALE::

1) Niger United–Benue Buffaloes 21–17 (11–08). 

2) Safety Shooters–De Defenders 38–27 (18–15).

3) Osun United–COAS Shooters 13–25 (04–14). 

4) Tojemarine HBC –Adamawa Warriors 29–27 (12–16).

5) Rima Strikers–Lagos Seasiders 32–17 (14–16).