Defending champion Kano Pillars began the defense of their title with a well deserved victory as they defeated Rima Strikers on day 1 of the Ardova Handball Premier League 2023 phase 1 in Benin City, Edo State.
The Solomon Yola tutored team were made to work hard but eventually earned a comfortable 30-23 victory over Rima Strikers.
In other matches in men category, former champion Niger United had to dig deep before defeating Confluence Stars 28-23 while Tojemarine came out on top in the battle of Lagos as they defeated Seasider Boys of Lagos 29-23.
Home team Bendel Dynamos defeated Police Machine 24-23 while former champion Safety Shooters easily defeated Benue Buffaloes 38-20
In the women category, newly promoted Delta Force showed tenacity as they shockingly defeated old war horse Imo Grasshoppers 25-20 while Seasider Babes of Lagos couldn’t matchup as they lost 29-25 to an enterprising Defender Babes.
Rima Queens served a sour welcome back package to Bayelsa United with a comfortable 32-24 victory while a last ditch goal gave Plateau Peacocks a 23-22 victory over Bendel Dynamos who had home support.
Defending champion Safety Babes made mince meat of Benue Queens with an emphatic 42-24 victory to begin their title defence.
Ardova Handball Premier League 2023 Phase 1 Day 1 Results
Women Category
1. Delta Force 25-20 Imo Grasshoppers
2. Lagos Seasiders Babes 25- 29 De Defenders Babes
3. Rima Queens 32-24 Bayelsa Queens
4. Plateau Peacocks 23-22 Bendel Dynamos
5. Safety Babes 42-24 Benue Queens
Men Category
1. Pillars 30-23 Rima Strikers
2. Niger United 28-23 Confluence Stars
3.Tojemarine Academy 29-23 Seasiders Kings
4. Bendel Dynamos 24-23 Police Machine
5. Safety Shooters 38 – 20 Benue Buffaloes
6. De Defenders 31-27 Correction Boys
