The 2025 Ardova Handball Premier League begins today in Benin City with defending champions, Tojemarine Academy and Safety Babes (Women) upbeat about their chances of retaining their crowns .
 
The fixtures released by tournament director, Shina Sanya, Tojemarine Academy will meet newly-promoted Osun United in their opening game, while Safety Babes, who are in search of their fifth consecutive title, take on new entrants, Ekiti Queens.
 
In other day one fixtures in the female category, former champions, Plateau Peacocks, take on Rivers Queens, while the champion of the National Division One League, Soof Omo Ogiefo of Benin, begin their sojourn in the Ardova Handball Premier League against Defender Babes, just as Rima Queens of Sokoto will play against Delta Queens.
 
Other games in the male category include Rima Strikers of Sokoto versus COAS Shooters, Niger United against Adamawa United and Safety Shooters versus Seasider Boys of Lagos.
 
There is also a tough clash between Correction Boys of the Nigerian Prisons and De Defenders of the Nigerian Civil Defence, but Benue Buffaloes of Makurdi will wait till tomorrow to begin their campaign in the league.
 
Speaking while welcoming the clubs to Benin City, at the weekend, HFN President, Samuel Ocheho, urged them to eschew violence and adhere strictly to the rules governing the competition.
 
He noted that the players, as ambassadors of the game, would be the main focus, just as he commended the coaches, the technical department, and other stakeholders for their contributions towards an expected hitch-free competition.