The 2025 Ardova Premier Handball League Phase 2 continues to gather momentum at the Rowe Park Sports Centre in Lagos, and after Matchday 4, the league standings have begun to reflect both the dominance of familiar contenders and the rising influence of newly promoted teams.
Updated tables released by the Handball Federation of Nigeria at the close of action on 28 November 2025 reveal significant shifts across both the male and female categories, following a dramatic matchday that featured comebacks, decisive victories, and the biggest upset of the tournament so far—Omo Ogeifo Handball Academy’s stunning defeat of Safety Babes.
Safety Shooters remain firmly at the summit of the male league table with 40 points, having recorded 13 wins from 14 matches. Their consistency and superior goal difference of +131 keep them in a commanding position as Phase 2 progresses.
Close behind are the in-form COAS Shooters, one of the newly promoted teams. The Chief of Army Staff Handball Club sit second with 39 points after defeating Benue Buffaloes on Matchday 4, highlighting their strong adaptation to top-flight handball. COAS Shooters dominated from the onset, racing to a commanding 19–10 lead at halftime before wrapping up the match 37–28. Their disciplined defensive structure, skillful and fast players and efficient finishing made the difference throughout the game.
Rima Strikers, sitting third with 37 points, continue to mount pressure on the leaders, while fellow newcomers Osun United, currently in 7th place, are gradually finding their rhythm after making the jump from Division One. Their spirited performances, despite recent results, underline the potential within the squad.
Adamawa Warriors, bottom of the table with 15 points, have not participated in Phase 2 and have therefore been walked over in their last four fixtures, a situation that has further widened their deficit in both points and goal difference.
Full Table Below:
Defending champions Tojemarine Academy, Niger United, and Correction Boys maintain mid-table positions as the competition intensifies heading into the final stretch.
In the women’s division, Safety Babes continue to lead the standings with 31 points, boasting an impressive goal difference of +109 from 10 wins in 11 matches. However, their aura of invincibility was broken on Matchday 4 after a shock 26–22 loss to newly promoted Omo Ogeifo Handball Academy, marking one of the standout results of the season.
Rima Queens, in second place with 29 points, remain within touching distance of the leaders after their resilient victory over Ekiti Queens. Their consistent form keeps the race for the top spot wide open.
The biggest storyline of Phase 2 so far is the remarkable impact of Omo Ogeifo Handball Academy, who now sit third with 23 points. Their tactical discipline, strong defence, and the outstanding performances of goalkeeper Oyewusi Bisi—Matchday 4 MVP—have quickly made them one of the teams to watch.
Another promoted side, Ekiti Queens, currently sit 7th with 15 points. Despite the challenges of top-flight competition, their shock victory over Rivers Queens on Matchday 3 and their competitive displays show clear signs of growth.
Imo Grasshoppers, Plateau Peacocks, and Rivers Queens occupy the mid-table positions, while De Defender Babes, still searching for stability, sit bottom with 13 points.
The introduction of the four newly promoted teams—COAS Shooters, Osun United, Omo Ogeifo HA, and Ekiti Queens—has injected fresh energy, unpredictability, and competitiveness into the 2025 APHL season. While the established giants remain strong, the newcomers have delivered big performances and memorable upsets.
As Phase 2 continues at Rowe Park, fans can expect more high-intensity matches, shifting standings, and standout individual performances as the race for the 2025 Ardova Premier Handball League title moves closer to its climax.
More updates follow as Matchday 5 action gets underway in Lagos.
