Niger United and Safety Babes have emerged leaders as the first phase of Ardova Handball Premier League ended in Benin on Wednesday. In the final day, Niger United defeated Correction Boys 33-22, leaving the Correction Boys to rue missed chances.
Coach Yekini Adebayo commended his players for their performance in the first place, noting, however, that they must do better to actualise their dream of winning the league in Lagos. He said: “It has been a difficult campaign. We lost and drew a game, which we could have won, but at the end it, 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 in the second phase. There are no easy teams and we will always give our best,” he added. Safety Babes beat Rima Queens 33-22 to win all their nine games in Benin. They controlled the game against Rima Queens, making use of the chances that came their way.
Coach Innocent Ikechuckwu of Safety Babes, who hailed his girls for their performance, admitted his team could not start celebrating 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, these are new sponsors and we hope to be the first champions under them.
In other games, Bendel Dynamos lost to Seasider Babes 27 to 31, while Tojemarine Academy beat Benue Baffaloes 28-19.
