Having already claimed the scalps of top dogs like defending champions, Kano Pillars, FRSC Safety Shooters, and Tojemarine Academy of Lagos; Rima Strikers of Sokoto on Wednesday inflicted a captivating 31-30 defeat on table toppers Niger United of Minna, as phase 2 of the Ardova Premier Handball League, being staged in Lagos, reached its climax.
The victory no doubt was a bold statement from the Strikers from the Seat of the Caliphate; and may yet deal a huge blow on the title ambition of the Ikon Allah Boys, who were thought to be coasting home with the coverted trophy for the second time, having won the very first edition, whilst it was sponsored by Prudent Energy Plc.
Kano Pillars also called Sai-Masugida, continued their resurgence with an eye-catching 28-26 victory over struggling FRSC Safety Shooters of Abuja; just as Lagos Seasiders fell 15-23 to the NSCDC De Defender of Abuja. It was the third Loss suffered by the Shooters, in Lagos.
In other games decided in the men’s section, Confluence Stars of Lokoja edged Benue Buffaloes of Makurdi 28-27; Police Machine lost 25-27 to Correctional Boys of Abuja; whilst Tojemarine Academy Lagos, rebounded from their defeat to Rima Strikers by smoothering hapless Bendel Dynamos of Benin 41-16.
The only games played in the women’s category, saw a spirited Delta Queens of Asaba lose narrowly 17-18 to Plateau Peacocks of Jos; just as Rima Queens of Sokoto inflicted a comfortable 31-21 defeat on Imo Grasshoppers, whose early celebrations of escaping the drop, will have to be paused.
The latest results not whistanding, Niger United of Minna (men) and the FRSC Safety Babes of Abuja (women) have pulled clear of the rest of the pack, and are on the verge of wining the titles on offer, at the 2023 edition of the Ardova Premier Handball League, which is now at its business end in Lagos.
Both sides led their sections, after phase one of the league, held in Benin; and have been imperious at the concluding phase being staged at the Indoor Hall of the National Institute for Sports, and Rowe Park Sports Complex, in Yaba Lagos.
With 18 matches played, and 3 match days to call it a wrap, Niger United, also known as the Ikon Allah Boys are on 51 points, 2 points clear of their closest rivals, Tojemarine Academy of Lagos, who trail with 49 points.
Tojemarine had a bright prospect of toppling Niger United, but faltered, when losing to Rima Strikers of Sokoto.
FRSC Safety Shooters, which were trailing Niger United with just 2 points, after phase one, are now six points adrift, while defending champions are certainly out of contention, and languishing in 5th spot with 42 points.
Remarkably, the FRCS Safety Babes of Abuja, are still the only unbeaten side in this year’s competition, and are comfortably seated five points at the top of the women’s section with 47 points, 5 points ahead of city rivals NSCDC Defender Babes; and 7 points more than the 40 hurled by Plateau Peacocks, of Jos.
Rima Queens of Sokoto have not been able to match their promising showing in Benin, and are now 4th with 39 points.
Imo Grasshoppers of Owerri must have to avoid any further mishaps in their remaining games, as the former African champions are now on 25 points, 4 points clear of Bayelsa Queens and 5 points ahead of Benue Queens, in the bottom three.
The last two teams in each section, at the end of the competition on Saturday will automatically be relegated to the championship.
