-Deborah Akinyosoye
The Handball Federation of Nigeria has confirmed a new date and the venue for the second phase of the Ardova Handball Premier League 2024, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
According to Secretary General of the federation, Almu Lambu, the second phase of the Ardova Handball Premier League will hold from November 26 to December 9 in Lagos.
The second phase which was initially scheduled for October is now set to hold a month later.
Lambu, who made the announcement in a letter to the participating clubs, said the arrival date for the top tier handball league is Tuesday November 26 while matches commence the next day, Wednesday November 27.
Phase one of the league came to an end May 30 in Benin City, Edo State with Tojemarine Academy and Safety Babes leaders of the first half.
Benin fans trooped out in large numbers to the venues to cheer their favourite teams while the federation also streamed the games live.
Lambu advised the 22 participating teams to begin registration of their players for the league in earnest before the commencement of the second phase of the league.
“The Handball Federation of Nigeria is pleased to inform you that the second Phase of 2024 Ardova Handball Premier League will take place from November 26 to December 9 in Lagos state.
“The participating teams are advised to begin their players’ registration in earnest and must make all necessary arrangements to plan their arrival and departure within the period mentioned above.”
Tojemarine Academy finished the first phase unbeaten and leading the men’s category log with 33 points following their 36-26 victory over Benue Buffaloes on day 11.
They are four points higher than Rima Strikers, who finished the first phase in second place with 29 points after they defeated De Defenders 32-25 in the final game of phase one.
Champions, Niger United, ended the first stanza on a losing note following their 25-20 defeat against former champions Safety Shooters. The Minna side also have 29 points alongside Rima Strikers but they are in third position having conceded more goals while Safety Shooters are in fourth with 27 points.
Fifth-place Kano Pillars, who have 25 points, head into the second stanza in a buoyant mood following their 24-22 win over Sunshine Kings, while Seasider Boys will need to improve in the second phase following their 31-26 loss to Correction Boys, who are seventh with 21 points. Seasider Boys are ninth with 15 points.
In the women’s category, Safety Babes are still unbeaten in almost two years and are leading the league table with 27 points following their day 11 32-24 victory over Rivers Queens, who are sixth with 19 points.
Defender Babes are in second position with 23 points.