Handball Premier League Opener: Safety Shooters, Niger United, Ekiti Queens Record Wins

The 2025 Ardova Handball Premier League threw off in explosive fashion on Tuesday at the Rowe Park Sports Centre, Yaba, Lagos, with COAS Shooters forcing a dramatic 26-26 draw against defending champions Tojemarine Handball Club in the headline fixture of Day 1 in the men’s category.
The highly anticipated encounter lived up to expectation as Tojemarine HBC, who won the league last season, were pushed to the limit by second-placed COAS Shooters with both sides matching each other, goal for goal in a pulsating contest which thrilled the fans
Earlier on, in the men’s category, League leader, Safety Shooters opened their phase 2 campaign on a strong note with a commanding 25–15 victory over Osun United to remain top, while Rima Strikers overwhelmed Benue Buffaloes 36–16.
Lagos Seasiders fell 21–28 to a somewhat complacent Niger United side who got their art together late on while Correction Boys comfortably saw off De Defenders 34-27.
In the women’s category, defending champions Safety Babes showed why they remain the team to beat as they began their quest for an unprecedented fifth consecutive league title with a dominant 40–27 win over Rivers Queens.
Imo Grasshoppers also edged title contenders a jet lagged Rima Queens 28–27 in a tense, high-stakes battle, while Omo Ogiefo Academy of Benin stunned former champions Plateau Peacocks 26–24. Ekiti Queens confidently defeated 35–26 victory over Defender Babes.
The Ardova Handball Premier League Phase 1 continues on Wednesday at Rowe Park Sports Center, Yaba, Lagos and all matches will be played there till November 30, 2025 before matches resumes at the NIS Indoor Sports Hall.