Handball league phase one ends with Tojemarine Academy, Safety Babes in command

Following the completion of phase one of the Ardova Handball Premier League 2024 in Benin City, Edo State, Tojemarine Academy and Safety Babes have shown their dominance as they ended as the league’s first-half leaders in the male and women categories respectively.

Tojemarine Academy ended the first phase unbeaten and now leads the men’s league log with 33 points after defeating Benue Buffaloes 36-26 on day 11. They are four points ahead of Rima Strikers, who ended the first phase in second place with 29 points after defeating De Defenders 32-25.

Defending champion, Niger United ended the phase 1 on a losing note following their 25-20 defeat against former champion Safety Shooters. The Minna also have 29 points alongside Rima Strikers but they are in third position because they conceded more goals while Safety Shooters are in fourth position with 27 points.

Kano Pillars ended the phase 1 on a victorious note as they defeated Sunshine Kings 24-22 and they are in 5th place in with 25 points while Seasider Boys will need to improve their lots  in the second phase following their 31-26 loss to Correction Boys who are in 7th position with 21 points. Seasider Boys are in 9th position with 15 points.

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In the women category, Safety Babes are still unbeaten in almost two years and are leading the league table with 27 points following their day 11 fixture victory over Rivers which ended 32-24. Rivers Queens are in sixth position with 19 points. Defender Babes are in second position with 23 points.

Former champion Plateau Peacocks played the game of their life on the final of the phase one to defeat Seasider Babes of Lagos 34-32. The result ensured they finish phase 1 on fifth position with 19 points while Seasider Babes are on 7th position with 15 points.

The phase two of the Ardova Handball Premier League 2024 will hold in Lagos later in the year wherein the winners of the league in the male and female categories will be crowned champions of the league.