Safety Shooters, Niger United and Rima Queens emerged victorious on the third day of the first phase of the ongoing Ardova Handball Premier in Benin, Edo State.
In the men’s category, Niger United defeated Benue Buffaloes 21-17 in an interesting game. Both sides came out strong in the opening minutes but Niger United seized the initiative to win the first 11-8.
The Buffaloes came back strong in the second but were pegged back by United, who won the game to record their third victory in the competition.
In other games, Safety Shooters defeated De Defenders 38-27 with half-time scores standing at 18-15.
Also Osun United lost to COAS Shooters 13-25 with the first half ending 4-14. Tojemarine HBC bounced back with a laboured win against Adamawa Warriors as the game ended 29-27.
In the women’s category, Rima Queens defeated Rivers Queens 33-22 with the first half ending 16-8.
Also, Imo Grasshoppers who trailed Ekiti Queens 15-10 in the first half rallied to win 29-27.
Excited by his team’s performance thus far, Niger United’s Coach, Yekini Adebayo, expressed confidence in their ability to lift the Ardova Handball Premier League trophy this year.
Speaking after his team’s victory, Adebayo said that his team won the title three years ago, and winning it this year would be a welcome development, noting that his players were ready for the task.
He said that the team trained hard for the league and lifting the trophy would be a reward for the hard work of the players and management.
“The league has always been very competitive and we are always ready to do well. However, our ambition is to lift the trophy this year. It is a big task but we are ready,” he said.
