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Tag: Ardova HPL

  • Ardova HPL: Safety Babes, Rima Queens steal show on Matchday 2

    Ardova HPL: Safety Babes, Rima Queens steal show on Matchday 2

    Champions Safety Babes took another step towards  the defence of their  title by  whipping Ekiti Queens 49-22 on Matchday 2  of the  ongoing  2025 Ardova Handball Premier League Second Phase tournament  in Lagos.

    The champions, who had defeated River Queens 40-27 on Tuesday, dominated the Ekiti team and made sure of victory with a commanding display.

    The Ekiti girls who had beaten Defender Babes 35-27 on Tuesday could not keep up with the pace of the champions.

    In some other games in the female category, Rima Queens defeated Rivers, while Defender Babes lost to

    Omo Ogiefo Academy 29-22.

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    In the men’s category, COAS Shooters defeated Lagos Seasiders  36-28, while De Defenders lost to Rima Strikers 28-19. Also, Niger United walked over Adamawa Warriors to earn three points and 10 goals.

    Niger United Coach, Adebayo Yekini, said that the league has become competitive so much that that is little between the top teams and others.

    He said: “The league has become very competitive and all the team are putting in their best to win games. You can see that even the ones who lose games are putting in their best.”

    The Ardova Handball Premier League Phase 2  enters Matchday 3 today  at Rowe Park Sports Centre, Yaba, Lagos and all matches will be played there till November 30 before matches resume at the NIS Indoor Sports Hall.

  • Valuejet Lagos Para Table Tennis Championships to produce new champs

    Valuejet Lagos Para Table Tennis Championships to produce new champs

    Fresh faces are expected to shine on Friday, July 11, as new champions will be crowned at the 2025 Valuejet Lagos Para Table Tennis Championships.

    Now in its 7th  edition, the three-day tournament has drawn over 100 athletes from within and outside Nigeria. It has become a vital platform for discovering and nurturing para table tennis talent.

    One of the tournament’s most notable alumni, Isau Ogunkunle—Africa’s sole table tennis medallist at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games—hailed the event as a springboard for aspiring athletes.

     “I recall how this tournament brought me into the spotlight in 2019. Since then, I’ve competed in two Paralympic Games and won a medal in my second appearance. I’m now aiming for gold in Los Angeles. I believe this year’s edition will unveil new talents who can follow a similar path,” said Ogunkunle, who also clinched gold at the 2025 National Sports Festival.

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    The final day will feature seven finals across singles and doubles events. The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to supporting para sports.

    According to Lekan Fatodu, the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), the state remains dedicated to promoting inclusivity through sports.

     “Each year, we witness remarkable achievements in para table tennis. Lagos has become a hub for para sports development, offering opportunities for athletes to showcase their talents and potentially represent Nigeria on the global stage,” Fatodu said.

     “Lagos is known for excellence in sports, and this competition is no exception. Preparations have been meticulous, logistics are in place, and we’re set for a successful event. This promises to be an exciting experience for players, spectators, officials, and all Lagosians,” he added.

  • High riding Tojemarine records first defeat in Ardova HPL

    High riding Tojemarine records first defeat in Ardova HPL

    Leaders, Tojemarine Academy yesterday lost their first game of the season to Safety Shooters 27-24 in the ongoing Ardova Handball Premier League in Lagos.

    It was a tense game for the league leaders whose effort proved insufficient in the game. Coach Adewunmi Shittu will now have to rally his boys as they continue the search for their first league title.

    Shooters proved to be the better team defensively while Tojemarine missed glaring scoring chances that came their way.

    In other games, Rima Strikers defeated Adamawa Warriors 37-31, Niger United beat Lagos Seasiders 24-20, Benue Buffaloes lost to Correction Boys 22-26, while De Defenders beat Sunshine Kings 26-25.

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    The president of the Handball Federation of Nigeria, Sam Ocheho, commended the teams for their performance urging them to do better in subsequent games.

    He said: “I must commend the teams for the performance they have put up so far in the league. They have shown determination, good understanding of the game and hopefully, the game will continue to be on the rise.

    “The sponsors have also been very supportive and I appreciate them for being with us for this long. We can only hope that the relationship become more enduring.”