The 2025 Ardova Handball Premier League threw off explosively 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.
The highly anticipated encounter lived up to expectation as Tojemarine, 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, and also 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, and all matches will be played there till November 30 before matches resume at the NIS Sports Hall within the National Stadium in Surulere.
Ardova 2025 Day 1 Results
Men’s Category
1. Safety Shooters 25-15 Osun United
2. Benue Buffaloes 16-36 Rima Strikers
3. Lagos Seasiders 21-28 Niger United
4. Correction Boys 34-27 De Defenders
5. COAS Shooters 26-26 Tojemarine HBC
Women’s Category
1. Ekiti Queens 35-26 Defender Babes
2. Omo Ogiefo Academy 26-24 Plateau Peacocks
3. Imo Grasshoppers 28-27 Rima Queens
4. Safety Babes 40-27 Rivers Queens
Extrasportnigeria 
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