Tojemarine Academy of Lagos yesterday defeated Rima Strikers of Sokoto 25-19 to win their fourth games at the ongoing Ardova Handball Premier League in Benin.
Though youthful Rima players were mobile throughout the game, Tojemarine, coached by Bright Agubata, put up a solid defensive display to neutralise the speed of the Sokoto team.
The game was keenly-contested but the Lagos team were better offensively while Rima strikers lost scoring chances under intense pressure from their opponents.
Despite their late rally, the Sokoto side only reduced the deficit as the Tojemarine ran away with a famous win.
Speaking after the game, Agubata commended Rima Strikers for their good performance: “It was a good game and I must commend the Rima Strikers for the good fight they put up. We had to curtail their attacking foray and take our chances to win the game.
“We used our first two seasons in the league to stabilize but now we are here to compete and win laurels despite having big teams in the league. The competition is just four games gone so we are sure of doing well.”
Meanwhile, Niger United and Kano Pillars were back to winning ways after Tuesday’s pulsating draw. United beat D:Defenders 36-23 while Pillars beat Confluence Stars 27-17.
In the other men’s games, Correctional Boys defeated 27-25, Benue Buffaloes beat Police Machine 23-23, while the match between Safety Shooters and Lagos Seasiders ended 22-22.
In the women’s category, Delta Queens–beat Bayelsa Queens 29-26, while Seasider Babes lost to Plateau Peacocks 23-20.