Rima Strikers Outclass Tojemarine as Ardova Premier League Heads Into Dual-Venue Match Day 6

Rima Strikers of Sokoto delivered one of the most commanding performances of the Ardova Handball Premier League 2025 Phase 2 on Saturday morning at the Rowe Park Sports Center, Yaba, Lagos, as they overpowered defending champions Tojemarine Academy 32–16 in the opening men’s fixture of Day 5.

The Caliphate team were in control from the onset, taking a 15–8 lead into the break before extending their dominance in the second half.

Tojemarine, who have endured an inconsistent Phase 2 campaign so far, had no response to Rima’s speed, depth, and clinical finishing, eventually falling to one of their heaviest defeats of the season.

In other matches in the men’s category, Niger United of Minna subdued Benue Buffaloes 25–23 in a tightly contested battle. Niger United held an 11–12 advantage at halftime before showing composure to seal victory.

Safety Shooters bounced back from a shaky first half to defeat De Defenders 38–23. Despite trailing 13–14 at halftime, Safety Shooters shifted gears in the second half—dominating both ends of the court to complete a remarkable turnaround.

The final men’s fixture of the morning session saw Correction Boys claim a 30–27 victory over Lagos Seasiders. Correction Boys overturned a 14–16 halftime deficit, showing grit and superior second-half execution to earn full points.

In the women’s category, Imo Grasshoppers continued their resurgence with a confident 33–27 win over Rivers Queens. The Grasshoppers led 18–13 at the break and maintained control throughout the encounter.

Former champion, Plateau Peacocks were equally impressive, overpowering Defender Babes 32–19 after a blistering 14–5 first half.

The Jos Peacocks’ relentless defence and fast-break precision proved too much for Defender Babes to handle.

Match day 6 will see the league expand across two venues, as matches return to the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Institute of Sports (NIS), Surulere, alongside ongoing fixtures at the Rowe Park Sports Center, Yaba, Lagos.

Ardova Handball Premier League 2025 Phase 2

RESULTS OF DAY 5 MATCHES (29/11/25): MORNING SESSION.

FEMALE:

(1) Imo Grasshoppers–Rivers Queens 33–27 (18–13)

(2) Plateau Peacocks–Defender Babes 32–19 (14–05).

MALE:
(1) Rima Strikers–Tojemarine Academy 32–16 (15–08).

(2) Benue Buffaloes–Niger United 23–25 (11–12)

(3) Safety Shooters –De Defenders 38–23 (13–14).

(4) Lagos Seasiders–Correction Boys 27–30 (16–14).