Niger United and Safety Babes have emerged leaders as the first phase of Ardova Handball Premier League ended in Benin yesterday.
In the final day tie, Niger United defeated Correction Boys 33-22 in a game they dominated as the Correction Boys were left to rue their missed chances.
Coach Yekini Adebayo commended his players for their performance in the first place, noting that his players have to do better if the hope to win the league in October in Lagos.
He said: “It has been a difficult campaign. We lost and drew 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 as we hope to begin preparation for the second phase immediately. There are no easy teams and we will always give our best,” he added.
Safety Babes also beat Rima Queens 33-22 to win all the nine games played in Benin. They controlled the game against Rima Queens, making use of the chances that came their way.
Coach Innocent Ikechuckwu of Safety Babes hailed his girls for their performance but stated that his team cannot celebrate the feat 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 but this is a new sponsors and we hope to emerge the first champions under a new sponsors.
In other games, Bendel Dynamos lost Seasider Babes 31 -27, while Tojemarine Academy beat Benue Buffaloes 28-19.