Having failed to convert a last gasp seven-meter throw, that would have seen them inflict a first defeat in three years on Kano Pillars, on Tuesday; Niger United of Minna returned to the courts on Wednesday, and made light-work of the NSCDC De Defenders of Abuja 36-23, on Day-4 of phase one of the 2023 Ardova Handball Premier League, ongoing in Benin City.
Despite the comfortable victory they rained 3rd on the men’s log, as FRSC Safety Shooters of Abuja reclined to second, after dropping valuable points when being held to a 22-22 draw by Lagos Seasiders.
Back-to-back champions, Kano Pillars who endured a frustrating draw against Niger United on Tuesday, thrashed Confluence Stars of Lokoja 27-17; while the youngsters of Tojemarine Academy from Lagos defeated Rima Strikers of Sokoto 25-19 to mount the summit of the men’s log.
In other games decided; Benue Buffaloes won their second match when edging Police Machine 23-22; while Bendel Dynamos of Benin lost 25-27 to Correctional Boys from Abuja.
In the women’s category, Delta Force of Asaba won the South-South derby against Bayelsa Queens of Yenagoa 29-26, as Seasider Babes crumbled to a 20-23 defeat handed them by Plateau Peacocks of Jos.
Dorothy Nyaah was the the nemesis of her former team, Benue Queens, as she propelled the NSCDC Defender Babes to a 32-24 trouncing of the rookies from Makurdi.
However, FRSC Safety Babes of Abuja remained on course to add to their title haul, when crushing former African champions, Imo Grasshoppers 39-19; and the host state suffered another loss, when their women’s team, Bendel Dynamos got beaten 26-21 by Rima Queens of Sokoto.
