2018 winners, Niger United repeat feat as Handball's league winners

Posted : 27 November 2023

The 2018 Handball league champions, Niger United, dethroned Kano Pillars and once again outperformed other clubs to emerge as the winners of the 2023 Ardova Handball Premier League in the male category.

Similarly, Safety Babes, who remained unbeaten throughout the entire league matches, proved to be worthy champions of the Ardova Handball Premier League 2023 in Lagos for the female category.

Niger United, the 2018 champions, led the male category league right from the first phase in Benin City, Edo State, and maintained their lead to clinch the premier league title.

In their match against second-placed Tojemarine Academy, considered a dead rubber, they emerged victorious with a score of 31-26. The event was attended by special dignitaries such as the Chairman of Prudent Group, Alhaji Abdulwasiu Sowami, and the Ardova PLC team, as well as the President of the Bèninoise Handball Federation, Mr. Sidikou Karimou, among others at the NIS Indoor Sports Hall.

Niger United finished with 61 points, while Tojemarine Academy secured the second position with 56 points, and Safety Shooters claimed the third spot with 53 points after their 25-17 victory over Correction Boys.

Kano Pillars, the defending champions, secured the fourth position with 49 points after defeating Seasider Boys of Lagos 35-32 in a forgettable season for them, as they failed to podium for the first time since the league started in 2018.

Bendel Dynamos and Police Machine faced relegation after losing 25-20 to De Defenders. A victory for them, combined with a win by Rima Strikers over Benue Buffaloes, would have allowed the Benin City-based team to escape relegation. However, Benue Buffaloes defeated Rima Strikers, and Bendel Dynamos also lost their match.

Relegated Police Machine lost to Confluence Stars with a score of 35-26.

In the female category, Safety Babes went through the season unbeaten, securing 53 points after winning their final match against Rima Queens 39-31. This victory allowed them to retain their title and be crowned champions of the Ardova Handball Premier League 2023.

The only other team to go through the season unbeaten was Adorable Angels of Ilorin in the 2020 season.

Defender Babes finished second with 46 points after winning against Delta Queens 32-23, while Plateau Peacocks finished on the podium for the first time since 2019, securing the third position on the log with 46 points.

The relegated teams are Bayelsa Queens, who finished 9th with 24 points, and Benue Queens, who finished last with 23 points.

Final day results:

MALE:

Benue Buffaloes - Rima Strikers 25-19.
Kano Pillars - Lagos Seasiders 35-32.
Confluence Stars - Police Machine 35-26.
Bendel Dynamos - De Defenders 20-25.
Correction Boys - Safety Shooters 17-25.
Niger United - Tojemarine Academy 31-26.
FEMALE:

Defender Babes - Delta Queens 32-23.
Rima Queens - Safety Babes 31-39.

League Winners (Male Category):

Niger United
Tojemarine Academy
Safety Shooters
Relegated Teams:
11. Bendel Dynamos

Police Machine
League Winners (Female Category):

Safety Babes
Defender Babes
Plateau Peacocks
Relegated Teams:
9. Bayelsa Queens

Benue Queens

2018 winners, Niger United repeat feat as Handball's league winners

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