In a nail-biting encounter on Thursday, Safety Shooters took a significant step towards reclaiming the Ardova Handball Premier League crown, despite being held to a 23–23 draw by a determined Rima Strikers side.
A Tense Battle for Supremacy
The Day 10 clash of the 2025 Phase 2 games, held on 6 December 2025, fully lived up to its pre-match hype. Both teams went goal for goal in a fiercely contested match, leaving the scores locked at 13–13 by halftime. The second half continued in the same vein, with neither side able to break away decisively.
Although the FRSC-backed Safety Shooters could not secure a win against the resilient Rima outfit, they displayed crucial composure in the dying moments to avoid a defeat. The single point earned from the draw was enough to keep their title ambitions firmly on track.
Title Destiny Remains in Their Hands
This result leaves Safety Shooters in pole position as they continue their push for a first league championship since 2019. With the final matchday approaching, their fate remains entirely under their control. Avoiding a late upset against Rima Strikers was a critical psychological and tactical achievement for the title-chasing team.
Other Men's Category Highlights
The day's action across the league was packed with drama and surprise results:
- Lagos Seasiders staged a comeback to defeat Osun United 33–31, having trailed 14–13 at the break.
- De Defenders survived a late scare to secure a narrow 27–26 victory over Benue Buffaloes.
- In one of the biggest shocks, Correction Boys stunned defending champions Tojemarine Academy 40–35.
- Adamawa Warriors failed to appear for their match, handing COAS Shooters a 10–0 walkover win.
Women's Category Delivers Excitement
The women's games were equally thrilling. Omo Ogiefo Academy turned the tables on Imo Grasshoppers, overcoming an 11–10 halftime deficit to win convincingly 30–19.
Plateau Peacocks were dominant in their 39–22 triumph over Ekiti Queens, pulling away decisively after a balanced first half. The day's action concluded with Defender Babes securing a hard-fought 30–28 win against Rivers Queens.
As the league heads into its decisive phase, all eyes will be on Safety Shooters to see if they can complete their journey and lift the coveted Ardova Handball Premier League trophy.
