Ifeanyi Ibeh
Defending Champions, Safety Babes and rave of the moment, Tojemarine Academy have emerged leaders after the end of the first phase of the Ardova Handball Premier League, which ended in Benin, Edo State on Friday.
The two teams are yet to drop a point in the competition and a repeat performance in Lagos in the second phase later this year, will see both teams crowned champions.
Tojemarine Academy finished the first phase unbeaten and leading the men category league log with 33 points following their 36-26 victory over Benue Buffaloes on day 11. They are four points better than Rima Strikers who finished in second place with 29 points after they defeated 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 side also have 29 points alongside Rima Strikers but they are in third position having conceded more goals while Safety Shooters are in fourth position with 27 points.
Kano Pillars ended the phase 1 on a winning note as they defeated Sunshine Kings 24-22 and they are in 5th place with 25 points while Seasider Boys will need to improve 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.
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.
