The stage is set for another exciting season of elite handball in Nigeria as the first phase of the Ardova Handball Premier League 2025 gets underway on July 7 in Benin City, Edo State.
The Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) officially released fixtures for the opening phase of the top-tier domestic league, with defending champions Safety Babes and Tojemarine Handball Club leading the title defense charge in the women’s and men’s categories, respectively.
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In the women’s category, Safety Babes, chasing a historic fifth consecutive league title, will kick off their campaign against newly promoted Ekiti Queens, a side that finished second in the 2024 National Division One League. The titleholders are eager to stamp their dominance early and remain the team to beat.
Other key female fixtures on opening day include Plateau Peacocks vs Rivers Queens, Defender Babes vs Omo Ogiefo, and Rima Queens vs Delta Queens—a lineup promising intense rivalries and standout performances.
The men’s category sees reigning champions Tojemarine Handball Club square off against Osun United, one of the league’s new entrants. The match is expected to set the tone for Tojemarine’s title defense journey as they look to maintain their supremacy in Nigerian handball.
Fans can also anticipate thrilling matchups like Rima Strikers vs COAS Shooters, Niger United vs Adamawa United, Safety Shooters vs Lagos Seasiders, and Correction Boys vs De Defenders.
In a bid to broaden reach and fan engagement, all matches will be streamed live on HFN TV via Facebook and the Handball Federation of Nigeria’s YouTube channel, allowing fans across Nigeria and beyond to follow their favorite teams.
The Ardova Handball Premier League continues to grow in stature, and with quality teams, rising talents, and fierce rivalries on display, the 2025 edition promises to be one of the most competitive yet
