Ardova Handball: Safety Babes run riot against Ekiti Queens

Defending champions Safety Babes ruthlessly underlined their title credentials on Wednesday, overpowering Ekiti Queens 49–22 on Day 2 of the Ardova Handball Premier League 2025 Phase 2 at the Rowe Park Sports Centre, Yaba, Lagos.

The quintuple champions, who are gunning for a five-peat consecutive titles, were dominant from the blast of the whistle, racing to a 23–11 halftime lead before tightening their grip even further in the second period and scoring more goals to ruthlessly edge out any challenge from their opponent.

Rima Queens of Sokoto also produced a gritty display earlier in the day, edging Rivers Queens 33–31 in a pulsating encounter that ended 16–15 at halftime while Benin City based Omo Ogiefo Academy continued their impressive run in the league with a 29–22 victory over Defender Babes, as the 2018 league champions, Plateau Peacocks cruised to a comfortable 30–16 win over a disappointing Imo Grasshoppers side.

In the men’s category, Niger United were awarded a 10–0 walkover after Adamawa Warriors who failed to show up, while COAS Shooters bounced back strongly with a commanding 36–28 win over Lagos Seasiders, taking a 21–11 lead into the break.

Rima Strikers of Sokoto proved too strong for De Defenders, winning 28–19, whereas defending champions Tojemarine Academy were pushed to the limit before narrowly defeating Osun United 18–17 in a tense, low-scoring affair as League leaders Safety Shooters wrapped up the day with a 28–17 victory over Correction Boys after leading 17–11 at halftime.

Ardova Handball Premier League 2025 Phase 2

Results

Women

1) Rima Queens–Rivers Queens 33–31 (16–15).

2) Ekiti Queens–Safety Babes 22–49 (11–23).

3) Defender Babes–Omo Ogiefo Acad 22–29 (12–13).

4) Plateau Peacocks–Imo Grasshoppers 30–16 (14–08). 

Men

1) Adamawa Warriors–Niger United 00–10 (W/O).

2) COAS Shooters–Lagos Seasiders 36–28 (21–11).

3) De Defenders–Rima Strikers 19–28 (08–15).

4) Tojemarine Academy–Osun United 18–17 (06–08).

5) Correction Boys–Safety Shooters 17–28 (11–17).