A dramatic 32–31 victory for COAS Shooters over Safety Shooters stole the spotlight on Day 8 of the Ardova Handball Premier League 2025 Phase 1, as action intensified at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.
In one of the most electrifying clashes of the competition so far, COAS Shooters overcame a narrow 13–14 halftime deficit, staging a late comeback to snatch victory in the dying moments of the match.
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The nail-biting win further tightens the top half of the men’s standings, with both teams eyeing a strong finish in Phase 1.
Elsewhere in the men’s category, defending champions Tojemarine Academy continued their dominant run with a composed 31–25 victory over Niger United.
A 16–13 first-half lead gave the Lagos-based side the momentum needed to cruise through the second period and maintain their unbeaten record in the league.
Osun United also grabbed the headlines with a convincing 28–24 win over Rima Strikers, having laid the foundation early by racing to an 18–11 halftime lead.
Correction Boys were ruthless in their approach, outclassing Benue Buffaloes 26–18, while De Defenders battled from behind to edge Lagos Seasiders 28–25 in a hard-fought contest.
In the women’s division, Safety Babes kept their perfect record intact, overpowering Imo Grasshoppers 31–26 in another strong performance by the defending champions. Rivers Queens also put on a commanding display, defeating Ekiti Queens 31–23 after heading into halftime with a five-goal advantage.
In perhaps the closest women’s match of the day, Rima Queens edged Defender Babes 29–28 in a game that was neck-and-neck from start to finish. Rima’s one-goal advantage at halftime (15–14) ultimately proved decisive.
With each passing day, the Ardova Handball Premier League 2025 continues to deliver high-stakes drama, thrilling fans and raising the bar for handball excellence in Nigeria. As the first phase nears its conclusion, teams are leaving it all on the court in pursuit of championship glory.
