By Chinedum Ohanusi
Struggling OSUN United of Osogbo, posted the performance of the Day 8 of the Ardova Handball Premier League, by inflicting a near impossible 28-24 defeat on log leaders, Rima Strikers of Sokoto; while Army team COAS Shooters claimed the scalp of FRSC Safety Shooters, in a closely fought Abuja derby dubbed “the battle of attrition”.
While Osun United had been on a losing spree until yesterday, led 18-11 at half time and never looked back; on the other COAS Shooters had to fight from a goal deficit (13-14) at the break to win the Abuja derby.
COAS Shooters which earlier inflicted an improbable defeat on defending Champions Tojemarine Academy of Lagos, eventually edged former champions Safety Shooters 32-31, at a packed Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin, the Army team now looks like the team to beat, this year.
In other games decided, Benue Buffaloes lost 18-26 to Correction Boys; De NSCDC Defenders of Abuja also came from behind to earn a 28-25 win over Lagos Seasiders 28–25; and Tojemarine Academy of Lagos reclaimed top spot after a comfortable 31-26 defeat of Niger United of Minna.
In the women’s championship, Rivers Queens trounced Ekiti Queens 31–23; FRSC Safety Babes recorded a battling 31-26 win, over former African Champions, Imo Grasshoppers of Owerri; whilst NSCDC Defender Babes of Abuja agonizingly fell 28-29 to Rima Queens of Sokoto.
