The Ardova Handball Premier League 2025 resumes in Lagos on Tuesday with Phase 2 action expected to reshape both the men’s and women’s title races, as leading contenders brace for crucial Matchday 1 battles at Rowe Park, Yaba.
The phase, considered the most decisive stretch of the season, will open with three days of fixtures at Rowe Park before the competition transitions to the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Surulere—setting the stage for momentum shifts that could define the league’s final standings.
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Men’s Title Race Set for Early Sparks
Safety Shooters and COAS Shooters, locked on 28 points apiece, headline the men’s division narrative as the leaders attempt to maintain their grip on the table. Safety Shooters, boasting a commanding +91 goal difference, begin their Lagos campaign against Osun United, a side known for defensive resilience but yet to threaten the top contenders.
COAS Shooters face the marquee fixture of the opening day as they clash with defending champions Tojemarine HC. The encounter carries early title implications, with Tojemarine sitting fourth on 24 points and needing a strong start to reignite their championship defence.
Third-placed Rima Strikers, on 25 points, also enter a potentially slippery contest against the unpredictable Benue Buffaloes, while Lagos Seasiders hope to capitalise on home support in their physical matchup against Niger United. Correction Boys and De Defenders will also battle to avoid sliding into the lower half of the standings.
Safety Babes Chase History as Women’s Category Intensifies
The women’s division mirrors the fierce competition of the men’s side, with defending champions Safety Babes aiming to make history. The Lagos-based giants, who top the standings with 21 points, begin their quest for a fifth consecutive league crown against Rivers Queens in one of the most anticipated matchups of the day.
Their closest challengers, Rima Queens of Sokoto, will face seasoned Imo Grasshoppers in what could prove a pivotal fixture in the chase for top positions. Soof Omo Ogiefo HBC—impressive debutants from Phase 1—take on former champions Plateau Peacocks, while Ekiti Queens open the day against Defender Babes.
With Safety Babes, Rima Queens, Plateau Peacocks, Imo Grasshoppers, and emerging contenders Soof Omo Ogiefo HBC all tightly bunched at the top, the women’s title race is expected to gain clarity—or be clouded further—by the end of Matchday 1.
Fans to Enjoy Expanded Broadcast Coverage
All fixtures will be streamed live via HFN TV across Facebook and YouTube on the official channels of Ardova PLC and the Handball Federation of Nigeria, ensuring wider access for fans nationwide.
Matchday 1 Fixtures – Phase 2
Men
1. Safety Shooters vs Osun United
2. Benue Buffaloes vs Rima Strikers
3. Lagos Seasiders vs Niger United
4. Correction Boys vs De Defenders
5. COAS Shooters vs Tojemarine HBC
Women
1. Ekiti Queens vs Defender Babes
2. Omo Ogiefo Academy vs Plateau Peacocks
3. Imo Grasshoppers vs Rima Queens
4. Safety Babes vs Rivers Queens
