As the first phase of the Ardova Handball Premier League 2025 came to an end at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Edo State, Safety Shooters and Safety Babes, both owned by the Federal Road Safety Corp, have emerged as leaders in the men’s and women’s categories leagues.
Safety Shooters won only one game and won one game, putting them in the lead in the men’s standings, with a consoling 26-20 victory over Niger United on the final day.
Their campaign was supported by a league-high 322 goals and a staggering +91 goal difference, putting them ahead of COAS Shooters, who also won 28 points in first place based on superior goal difference.
COAS Shooters won their opening game 38–31 over De Defenders, but they had to settle for second place because of their +50 goal difference.
With seven victories, one draw, and two losses in ten matches, the Sokoto Rima Strikers finished with 25 points.
The top five were rounded out by title holders Correction Boys, who had scored 22 points, and Tojemarine Academy, who had 24 points.
Niger United, the previous champion, finished in sixth place with 19 points, while Osun United, who defeated Benue Buffaloes 20-19, also came in with 19 points but had a slightly lower goal difference.
The 8th to 11th spots were filled by De Defenders, Adamawa Warriors, Benue Buffaloes, and Lagos Seasiders.
In the seven-game period, defending champion Safety Babes, who won all of their games with 21 points, proved untouchable.
As they attempt to win an unprecedented quintuple of titles, they have scored 242 goals and conceded just 173.
Soof Omo Ogiefo defeated Sokoto Rima Queens 34–31 to clinch second place, extending that position.
With six wins and one draw, Sokoto Rima Queens finished the first phase with 22 points, one behind Safety Babes.
Imo Grasshoppers and Soof Omo Ogiefo tallied fourth and fifth places, followed by Plateau Peacocks, who had 15 points.
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Defender Babes and Rivers Queens are both in the top six, while Ekiti Queens, who lost just one game, placed eighth in the women’s standings.
After the first phase of the competition is over, the focus now turns to the crucial second phase, which will feature the eventual champions and the survival battle taking center stage in Lagos later in the year.
Day 11 result (Women):  ,
Soof Omo Ogiefo 31-34 Rima Queen
Day 11 results (Men):  ,
Osun United 19-20 Benue Buffaloes
Adamawa Warriors 21-28 Lagos Seasiders
De Defenders 31-38 COAS Shooters
Tojemarine Academy Correction Boys 25-25
