Niger United's quest to finish strongly as the winner of the Ardova Handball Premier League 2023 suffered a setback as they lost to Rima Strikers on Match Day 9 of the 2nd Phase of the ongoing Ardova Handball Premier League in Lagos.
The 2018 league champion met a determined Rima Strikers, who have claimed bigger victories against teams like Kano Pillars, Safety Shooters, and Tojemarine Academy, but lost 31-30.
Coach Adebayo Yekini of Niger United thereafter attributed the loss to fatigue, even as he praised his boys for playing according to instructions, which ensured they came back from a 6-goal deficit to lose by just one point.
In other games in the male category, Confluence Stars defeated Benue Buffaloes 28-27, while Correction Boys narrowly beat Police Machine 27-25.
Tojemarine Academy dominated with a 41-16 victory, and goalkeeper Emmanuel Joseph's numerous breathtaking saves inspired De Defenders to a 23-15 victory over Seasider Boys of Lagos.
Additionally, Kano Pillars defeated Safety Shooters 28-26.
In the women's category, former champion Plateau Peacocks defeated Delta Queens 18-17, while Rima Queens secured a victory over Imo Grasshoppers with a score of 31-21.
Day 9 Results
Men:
Confluence Stars - Benue Buffaloes 28-27.
Police Machine - Correction Boys 25-27.
Tojemarine Academy - Bendel Dynamos 41-16.
Lagos Seasiders - De Defenders 15-23.
Rima Strikers - Niger United 31-30.
Safety Shooters - Kano Pillars 26-28.
Women:
Delta Queens - Plateau Peacocks 17-18.
Rima Queens - Imo Grasshoppers 31-21.
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