Title holders Kano Pillars defeated Sokoto Rima Strikers 30-23 to kickstart their campaign at the 2023 Ardova handball premier league at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium in Benin City, Edo State.
The three-time champions were made to work hard but eventually earned a comfortable victory over the youthful Rima Strikers side.
In other matches in the men’s category, 2018 champions Niger United dug deep to edge past Confluence Stars 28-23 as Tojemarine beat Lagos Seasiders 29-23 in the Lagos derby.
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Hosts Bendel Dynamos secured their first-ever win at this level with a narrow 24-23 triumph against Police Machine, while another former champion Safety Shooters strolled past Benue Buffaloes 38-20.
In the women’s category, the newly promoted Delta Force showed tenacity as they stunned Imo Grasshoppers 25-20 while Seasider Babes fell 29-25 to an enterprising Defender Babes.
Rima Queens served a sour welcome back package to Bayelsa United with a comfortable 32-24 victory while a last-ditch goal gave Plateau Peacocks a 23-22 victory over Bendel Dynamos.
Defending champion Safety Babes made mince meat of Benue Queens with an emphatic 42-24 victory.
Ardova Handball Premier League 2023
Day 1 Results (Women)
Delta Force 25-20 Imo Grasshoppers
Lagos Seasiders Babes 25- 29 De Defenders Babes
Rima Queens 32-24 Bayelsa Queens
Plateau Peacocks 23-22 Bendel Dynamos
Safety Babes 42-24 Benue Queens
Ardova Handball Premier League 2023
Day 1 Results (Men)
Kano Pillars 30-23 Rima Strikers
Niger United 28-23 Confluence Stars
Tojemarine Academy 29-23 Seasiders Kings
Bendel Dynamos 24-23 Police Machine
Safety Shooters 38 – 20 Benue Buffaloes
De Defenders 31-27 Correction Boys