The 2025 Ardova Handball Premier League Phase 2 began spectacularly on Tuesday at the Rowe Park Sports Centre, Yaba, Lagos, with COAS Shooters earning a dramatic 26–26 draw against defending men’s champions Tojemarine Handball Club in the headline fixture of Day 1.
The highly anticipated clash lived up to expectations as last season’s champions Tojemarine were forced to dig deep against second-placed COAS Shooters in an intense, end-to-end encounter that kept fans on their feet.
In other men’s games, league leaders Safety Shooters continued their strong form with a commanding 25–15 win over Osun United.
Rima Strikers were ruthless in a 36–16 demolition of Benue Buffaloes, while Niger United recovered from a sluggish start to defeat Lagos Seasiders 28–21. Correction Boys also impressed with a 34–27 victory over De Defenders.
In the women’s category, reigning champions Safety Babes kicked off their hunt for a fifth consecutive league title with a dominant 40–27 performance against Rivers Queens.
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Imo Grasshoppers edged Rima Queens 28–27 in a tense thriller, while Omo Ogiefo Academy pulled off the surprise of the day with a 26–24 win over former champions Plateau Peacocks. Ekiti Queens sealed a confident 35–26 victory over Defender Babes.
Ardova Handball Premier League 2025
Day 1 Results (Men)
Safety Shooters 25-15 Osun United
Benue Buffaloes 16-36 Rima Strikers
Lagos Seasiders 21-28 Niger United
Correction Boys 34-27 De Defenders
COAS Shooters 26-26 Tojemarine
Day 1 Results (Women)
Ekiti Queens 35-26 Defender Babes
Omo Ogiefo Academy 26-24 Plateau Peacocks
Imo Grasshoppers 28-27 Rima Queens
Safety Babes 40-27 Rivers Queens
