The 2025 Ardova Plc Premier Handball League Phase 2 continued today at the Rowe Park Sports Centre in Yaba, Lagos, building on a dramatic opening day that set the tone for a fiercely contested Lagos leg of the season.
The opening day yesterday produced immediate shockwaves in the Men’s category, as defending champions Tojemarine Handball Club were held to a 26-26 draw by title-chasing debutants COAS Shooters, signaling that the race for the 2025 trophy is far from settled. League leaders Safety Shooters asserted their dominance with a commanding 25-15 win over Osun United, while in the Women’s category, defending champions Safety Babes continued their title defence in emphatic fashion, sweeping aside Rivers Queens 40-27.
The momentum carried into Day 2 with Tojemarine Handball Club bouncing back from their Day 1 stalemate with the tightest result of the day, edging Osun United 18-17 (HT: 6-8) in a tactical, defence-driven match. Goalkeeper Sanni Bature emerged as the hero and earned the MVP award for his crucial saves.
COAS Shooters continued their impressive start to Phase 2 with a commanding 36-28 (HT: 21-11) victory over Lagos Seasiders. The match’s MVP, youngster Gideon Magaji, delivered a dominating performance that powered the Shooters to victory.
Sokoto Rima were in superb form, dispatching De Defenders 28-19 (HT: 15-8). Despite the defeat, the MVP award fittingly went to Abdugafar of De Defenders, whose resilient performance kept his side competitive.
League leaders Safety Shooters extended their winning run with a solid 28-17 (HT: 17-11) win against Correction Boys, with the energetic Nasiru Hassan claiming the MVP honour for his all-round brilliance scoring a number of goals and helping his team out defensively.
Earlier in the day, Niger United recorded a 10-0 walkover victory after the Warriors of Adamawa failed to honour the fixture.
The Women’s category delivered a blend of attacking fireworks and good goalkeeping excellence.
In one of the day’s exhilarating encounters, Rima Queens narrowly defeated Rivers Queens 33-31 (HT: 16-15) in a match filled with speed and intensity. Amina Mohammed, who scored 9 goals, earned the MVP award presented by HFN board member Mr. John Oris.
Defending champions Safety Babes extended their dominance with a resounding 49-22 (HT: 23-11) triumph over Ekiti Queens. Their goalkeeper, Amodu Patience, was deservedly named MVP after a commanding a couple of brilliant saves between the posts.
Omo Ogeifo outclassed De Defenders Babes 29-22 (HT: 13-12), thanks to an exceptional performance from goalkeeper Bisi Oyewusi, who earned the MVP award for her brilliance.
Plateau Peacocks wrapped up the day in the female category with a solid 30-16 (HT: 14-8) victory over Imo Grasshoppers, further enhancing their standing in the competition.
The 2025 Ardova Premier Handball League Phase 2 continues tomorrow at the Rowe Park Stadium, Yaba, Lagos, with even more high-stakes matches expected as teams jostle for supremacy in Nigeria’s premier handball championship.
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