By Chinedum Ohanusi
The first phase of the 2025 Adover Plc sponsored Handball Premier League, enters Day 3 today, with matches in both men’s and women’s categories, at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Ogbe Stadium in Benin City .
The league which got underway on Monday,
however threw up some surprises, as three teams, Kano Pillars (men), and Seasider Babes of Lagos and Delta Queens of Asaba were all absent, conspicuously.
Sports Day has it on good authority that, multiple champions and one of the powerhouses of the men’s championship, Kano Pillars HC asked to be left out, as they are still mourning the loss of some of their members in the ill-fated auto crash that claimed 22 lives of the Kano State contingent to the 22nd National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
On the other hand, both Seasider Babes of Lagos, and newly promoted Delta Queens simply complained about paucity of funds; but Outgoing President of the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN), Mr. Samuel Ocheho was defiant that all absentee teams will face the consequences, as enshrined in the rule books.
Yesterday was a Day 2, and it was a day of mixed fortune for the two defending Champions, FRSC Babes of Abuja (women), and Tojemarine Academy of Lagos (men).
While Safety Babes defeated Omo Ogiefo Academy of Benin 32- 26 to win their second match in a row; Tojemarine Academy fell 21-23 to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Shooters, in an enthralling game, that pitted youth against experience.
In the other women’s fixtures decided yesterday, Plateau Peacocks of Jos thrashed Ekiti Queens 37-18; but former African Champions, Imo Grasshopper of Owerri and Rivers Queens of Port Harcourt produced the first draw (23-23) of the 2025 Adover Plc Handball Premier League.
In other men’s fixtures decided on Day 2, Rima Strikers of Sokoto beat Adamawa Warriors 27-23; former champions Niger United of Minna outscored Lagos Seasiders 30-25; and FRSC Safety Shooters of Abuja overcame Benue Buffalos of Makurdi 26-22.
