By Daily Sports Nigeria on November 27, 2023
Niger United and Safety Babes were crowned champions of the Ardova Handball Premier League 2023 on Saturday in Lagos.
Niger United, who are the 2018 champions, led the male category right from the first phase in Benin City, Edo State and held onto the lead to win the league.
Their match on the final day against second-place Tojemarine Academy, a dead rubber, saw them winning 31-26 in the presence of dignitaries such as the Chairman, Prudent Group, Alhaji Abdulwasiu Sowami and the Ardova Plc team, as well as the President of the Bèninoise Handball Federation, Mr. Sidikou Karimou, amongst others at the NIS Indoor Sports Hall.
Niger United finished with 61 points, Tojemarine Academy placed second with 56 points, while Safety Shooters finished third with 53 points following their 25-17 victory over Correction Boys on Saturday.
Kano Pillars, who were the defending champions, defeated Seasider Boys of Lagos 35-32 to finish fourth with 49 points in a season that they will hope to forget in a hurry.
Bendel Dynamos were relegated, alongside Police Machine, in the male category after losing 25-20 to De Defenders. A victory for them and a win by Rima Strikers over Benue Buffaloes would have seen the Benin City-based team escape relegation but Benue Buffaloes defeated Rima Strikers as well.
Relegated Police Machine also lost to Confluence Stars 35-26.
In the female category, Safety Babes went through the season unbeaten after winning their final match against Rima Queens 39-31, which earned them 53 points as they retained their title and were crowned champion of the Ardova Handball Premier League 2023.
The only other team that went through the season unbeaten was Adorable Angels of Ilorin in the 2020 season.
Source Punch Ng
Posted November 27, 2023
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