Defending champions Safety Babes delivered the biggest statement yet in Phase 2 of the Ardova Handball Premier League 2025, dismantling Ekiti Queens 49–22 on Day 2 at Rowe Park Sports Centre, Yaba, Lagos, to reinforce their quest for a remarkable five-peat.
The dominant Lagos-based side wasted no time asserting their superiority, surging into a 23–11 lead at halftime before completely overwhelming their opponents in a near-flawless second half performance.
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The emphatic victory not only keeps the quintuple champions comfortably in the title conversation but also sends a clear warning to every contender in the women’s division.
Earlier in the day, Rima Queens of Sokoto set the tone with a hard-fought 33–31 win over Rivers Queens in what was one of the most pulsating matches of the round, having edged the first half 16–15.
Omo Ogiefo Academy maintained their impressive form with a solid 29–22 victory over Defender Babes, while 2018 champions Plateau Peacocks cruised to a commanding 30–16 win against an underwhelming Imo Grasshoppers.
The men’s category also produced its share of drama and decisive outcomes.
Niger United picked up a routine 10–0 walkover after Adamawa Warriors failed to show up, while COAS Shooters bounced back strongly from previous setbacks with a convincing 36–28 win over Lagos Seasiders, dominating the first half 21–11.
Rima Strikers continued their upward trajectory with a comfortable 28–19 win over De Defenders, and defending champions Tojemarine Academy were made to sweat in a tense 18–17 escape against Osun United.
League leaders Safety Shooters capped the day’s fixtures with a composed 28–17 triumph over Correction Boys, controlling the tempo from a 17–11 first-half lead.
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Day 2 Results at a Glance
Women
Rima Queens 33–31 Rivers Queens (HT: 16–15)
Ekiti Queens 22–49 Safety Babes (HT: 11–23)
Defender Babes 22–29 Omo Ogiefo Academy (HT: 12–13)
Plateau Peacocks 30–16 Imo Grasshoppers (HT: 14–8)
Men
Adamawa Warriors 0–10 Niger United (Walkover)
COAS Shooters 36–28 Lagos Seasiders (HT: 21–11)
De Defenders 19–28 Rima Strikers (HT: 8–15)
Tojemarine Academy 18–17 Osun United (HT: 6–8)
Correction Boys 17–28 Safety Shooters (HT: 11–17)
