Niger United stretched their lead at the top of the men’s table to 5 points as the 2023 Ardova premier handball league reached its title deciding stage in Lagos.
Niger United survived a late fightback from Safety Shooters to secure a 26-23 win and stayed at the summit with 51 points.
Niger United coach, Yekini Adebayo commended his team for the victory win, stating that it is a pointer that the Minna-based outfit are ready to emerge as champions for the second time at the end of the season.
He said, “It was a win that came at the end of a fiercely contested tie. Both teams were focused but we played with a lot of grit and displayed sound technical abilities to win the game.
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Tojemarine Academy remained in second with 46 points while Safety Shooters third with 45 points after a total of 18 games played.
In the other games, Lagos Seasiders outclassed Police Machine 31-22 to cling on to fourth spot with 42 points.
Simon Agada scored 8 goals as Benue Buffaloes defeated De Defenders 32-28 to continue their fight to escape relegation.
In the women’s category, holders Safety Babes produced a commanding performance to beat Bayelsa Queens 26-18 with Diana Sa’aloo scoring 8 goals to hold on to their top spot with 47 points while Maria Ayinba got 9 goals for Bayelsa Queens but the Yenagoa side remained in the drop zone with 21 points.
Dorathy Nyagh and Lydia Daniel scored 8 goals each to help Defender Babes defeat Seasider Babes 36-21 while Benue Babes edged past Bendel Dynamos 23-19.
Abbas Mohammed of Niger United and Queen Akuratse of Benue Queens emerged the most valuable players of the day.
Women Results
Bayelsa Queens 18-26 Safety Babes
Seasider Babes 21-36 Defender Babes
Benue Queens 23-19 Bendel Dynamos
Men Results
Police Machine 22-31 Lagos Seasiders
Benue Buffaloes 32-28 De Defenders
Niger United 26-23 Safety Shooters
Niger United Edge Safety Shooters In Handball Blockbuster Channels Television.