On the second day of the first phase of the ongoing Ardova Handball Premier League in Benin, Edo State, Imo Grasshoppers and Rivers Queens played out a pulsating 23-23 draw.
Though Rivers Queens raced in front with a 13-8 scores in the first half, Imo Grasshoppers clawed back into the game to tie the game in regulation time.
In other games played in the female category, Plateau Peacocks defeated Ekiti Queens 37-18 with the first half ending 18-11 in favour of Peacocks.
In the male category, Rima Strikers defeated Adamawa Warriors 27-23, Niger United trounced Lagos Seasiders 30-25, while Safety Shooters beat Benue Buffaloes 26-22.
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The coach of Ekiti Queens, Ayo-Idowu Kayode remains upbeat despite his young team losing its first two games in the ongoing Ardova Handball Premier League in Benin, Edo State.
The debutants lost 59-29 to Safety Babes on Monday and suffered another defeat to Plateau Peacocks as they were beaten 37-18.
However, Kayode expressed optimism over the fortunes of his inexperienced team, who he said, he has been coaching from the under 12 level.
He said: “The experience we have had in the first two days is worthy. This is the first time I am coaching at this level and my players are also playing in the elite league for the first time.
“Playing at this tournament is an eye opener for me, the players and Ekiti State who invest most on football.”
He noted that the standard of the league is high with teams contesting fiercely in their pursuit of glory. He also said it is a beauty to watch how teams tinker with their tactics to boost their chances of winning games.
He, however, said that his team would improve with each game to better its chances of winning some games: “We lost with a wide margin against Safety Babes on Monday but the margin was better against Plateau Peacocks.”