Ardova Handball Premiership: Niger Utd, Safety Babes emerge winners of Phase 1

Posted : 13 July 2023

Niger United and FRSC Safety Babes have both emerged the table toppers of the just-concluded Ardova Handball Premiership held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin Edo State capital.

The 11-day hostilities came to an end with surprising results that had seen the defending champions, Kano Pillars lose their crown to a new winner.

The first phase of the 2023 Ardova Handball Premier League, came to a rousing end in Benin City, capital of Edo State; with FRSC Safety Babes sitting comfortably atop the women’s log, while Niger United are the pace-setters in the men’s section.

In the men’s category, Niger United of Minna maintained top spot with a 10-point gap whitewash of Correction Boys of Abuja 33-23, while ojemarine Academy of Lagos outsmarted Benue Buffaloes by 28-19; however, back-to-back champions, Kano Pillars edged past Police Machine of Abuja 26-23, but ended in 5th with 25 points, 5 adrift of Niger United.

In the Women's category, Safety Babes thrashed their closest rivals, Rima Queens of Sokoto 33-20, to extend the gap between them and second on the log, NSCDC Defender Babes of Abuja, to just one point, while Rima Queens reclined to 3rd on 22 points.

In the only other women’s game played, Bendel Dynamos of Benin fought so hard, but ended-up loosing 27-31 to Seasider Babes of Lagos, Coached by Bukola Duru.

The FRSC Safety Shooters of Abuja avoided another upset, by holding off a spirited Confluence Stars of Lokoja, to win 23-22 and finished in 2nd spot with 28 points.

In other games decided, Lagos Seasiders outscored Bendel Dynamos of Benin 34-32; while Rima Strikers of Sokoto roundly routed the NSCDC De Defender of Abuja 41-27.

Meanwhile, the vastly improved level of competitiveness of virtually all the teams, taking part at the first phase of the 2023 League, as highlighted by all the men’s team dropping points, in at last two games have received wide praise and commendation.

Technical Director of the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) Bala Mohammed on the championships disclosed that the first phase in Benin, had surpassed his expectations; with several upsets recorded, including the first loss in three years suffered by Kano Pillars.

Bala, a one time Head Coach of the FRSC Safety Shooters said it’s been very interesting, seeing a good number of shocking results.

“I commend the players for their beautiful displays, similarly I appreciate the sponsors, coaches and referees for making it possible to have the league, at such a high level,” he said.

The first phase of the league ended on Wednesday with the second phase slated for Lagos later this year.

Pundits have linked the elevated level of this year’s competition, to the new partnership the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) entered with Ardova Plc; which yielded a 100% increase in the subsidy given to the twenty (22) teams, to prepare for their outings in Benin.

Ardova Handball Premiership: Niger Utd, Safety Babes emerge winners of Phase 1

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