NAF Rockets Edge Tojemarine as Benue Buffaloes Battle to Draw on Day 3 of Ardova Handball Premier League
The Nigeria Air force (NAF) Rockets secured a hard-fought 37–34 victory over 2024 champion Tojemarine Academy in one of the keenly contested encounters on matchday three of the 2026 Ardova Handball Premier League in Lagos on Monday.
The encounter saw NAF Rockets; newcomer to the top tier league, take control early, establishing a surprising 19–11 advantage at half-time before Tojemarine Academy fought back in the second half. However, the comeback was not enough to prevent NAF Rockets from claiming the vital win.
Meanwhile, Benue Buffaloes, who arrived at the competition venue only a day before their opening fixture, showed resilience despite the fatigue of their late arrival to hold U & H Abia to a 26–26 draw. Both sides were level at 12–12 at half-time, with neither able to find a decisive breakthrough in the pulsating encounter.
In other men’s matches, defending champions Safety Shooters maintained their winning run with a 33–25 victory over COAS Shooters, while Rima Strikers defeated Correction Boys 33–20. De Defenders also edged two times champion Niger United 22–21, while Osun United secured a 10–0 walkover victory over Kano Pillars.
In the women’s category, defending champions Safety Babes continued their impressive form with a 39–18 thrashing of Ekiti Queens, having led 18–8 at half-time. The FRSC team seem unstoppable in their quest to get an unprecedented 6th consecutive Ardova Handball Premier League title.
Plateau Peacocks defeated Imo Grasshoppers 34–21, Defender Babes overcame Omo Ogiefo Academy 36–24, Rima Queens beat Funad Academy 26–16, while SOOF recorded a 26–17 victory over Rivers Queens.
Matches continue tomorrow at the Rowe Park Sports Center, Yaba, Lagos.
