Niger United and Safety Babes have emerged as leaders as the first phase of Ardova Handball Premier League ended in Benin on Wednesday.
On the final day, Niger United defeated Correction, Boys, 33-22 in a game they dominated as the Correction Boys were left to rue their misses chances.
Coach Yekini Adebayo commended his players for their performance in the first place, noting that his players have to do better if they hope to win the league on October 8 in Lagos.
He said, “It has been a difficult campaign. We lost and drew a game that we could have won but in the end, we were able to come out tops in the first phase.
“The league is just starting and we have a lot of work to do as we hope to begin preparation for the second phase immediately. There are no easy teams and we will always give our best,” he added.
Safety Babes also beat Rima Queens 33-22 to win all nine games played in Benin. They controlled the game against Rima Queens, making use of the chances that came their way.
Coach Innocent Ikechuckwu of Safety Babes hailed his girls for their performance but stated that his team cannot celebrate the feat until they win the league in Lagos.
“We have done well after the first phase but nothing is accomplished for now. We will go to Lagos and continue from where we left off in Benin. Though we were the last league champions but this is a new sponsor and we hope to emerge as the first champions under new sponsors.
In other games, Bendel Dynamos lost to Seasider Babes 31 -27, while Tojemarine Academy beat Benue Baffaloes 28-19.
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