Champions Again: Safety Babes Extend Record; Shooters Break Five-Year Drought

Champions Again: Safety Babes Extend Record; Shooters Break Five-Year Drought

By Admin 

The Indoor Sports Hall of the National Institute for Sports, Surulere, Lagos, came alive on Friday as the 2025 Ardova Handball Premier League concluded in a jubilant atmosphere, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

 The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) teams Safety Shooters and Safety Babes emerged champions in the men’s and women’s categories respectively, capping an electrifying finale attended by members of the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) and top executives of Ardova PLC.

The league, which opened with its first phase months earlier in Benin City before moving to Lagos for the decisive second phase, ended on a high note that Ardova PLC’s Executive Chairman, Dr. Abdulwasiu Sowami—represented by Deputy Managing Director Mrs. Abiola Babatunde-Ojo described as “delightful and inspiring.”

Safety Shooters sealed their first league title since 2020 after a commanding performance throughout the season. The Abuja-based squad topped the standings with 57 points from 20 matches, finishing with 18 wins, one draw, and one loss.

They closed their campaign in emphatic fashion, defeating COAS Shooters 43–32 (20–10) in their final match. The champions registered a remarkable +214 goal difference, scoring 638 goals and conceding 424.

Rima Strikers finished second with 52 points after a narrow 27–26 loss to Correction Boys, while COAS Shooters placed third with 51 points despite suffering their fourth defeat of the season.

Other final-day results saw De Defenders defeat Osun United 31–23, Tojemarine Academy edge Niger United 28–27, and Benue Buffaloes awarded a walkover victory against Adamawa Warriors.

Safety Babes Make Historic Fifth Consecutive Win

In the women’s category, Safety Babes extended their legacy as the most dominant side in the league’s history, securing their fifth straight championship and sixth league title overall.

The defending champions overturned a halftime deficit to defeat Rima Queens 27–24 (11–14), displaying the tactical discipline and resilience that have become their trademark.

Safety Babes ended the season with 40 points from 13 wins in 14 matches, posting a +128 goal difference (486–358). Rima Queens finished second with 31 points, while Omo Ogiefo Academy secured third place with 32 points after a consistent campaign.

The closing ceremony celebrated not just the champions but also the rising standards of the league. HFN President, Mr. Jibril Saidu Ojih (FNSQ), thanked Ardova PLC for its continued support and appealed for an extension of the sponsorship partnership, noting that the league has played a crucial role in producing top talents for Nigeria’s national teams.

Ardova PLC executives reaffirmed the company’s commitment to working with HFN to further develop the sport, emphasizing the league’s increasing professionalism and nationwide impact.

Their presence, alongside HFN board members, underscored the robust collaboration driving the growth of the Ardova Handball Premier League.

FINAL DAY RESULTS – PHASE 2 (DAY 11)

Men

1. De Defenders 31–23 Osun United (13–13 HT)

2. Correction Boys 27–26 Rima Strikers (15–12 HT)

3. Niger United 27–28 Tojemarine Academy (11–17 HT)

4. Benue Buffaloes 10–00 Adamawa Warriors (Walkover)

5. Safety Shooters 43–32 COAS Shooters (20–10 HT)

Women

Rima Queens 24–27 Safety Babes (14–11 HT)