Defending champions Safety Babes and Safety Shooters began their title defences on a winning note as the 2026 Ardova Handball Premier League kicked off on Saturday in Lagos.
The opening matches were played at the Rowe Park Sports Centre, Yaba.
Record-breaking Safety Babes, chasing a sixth consecutive women’s title, began their campaign with a convincing 43-18 victory over Funad Academy.
Former champions Plateau Peacocks secured a narrow 23-21 win over Defender Babes, while Rivers Queens defeated Rima Queens 20-17.
SOOF Handball Club of Benin City overcame Imo Grasshoppers 27-22, while Ekiti Queens defeated Omo-Ogiefo Academy of Benin City 31-20.
In the men’s category, former champions Tojemarine Handball Club of Lagos surrendered a seven-goal advantage to settle for a 31-31 draw against De Defenders.
Correction Boys recorded a 28-16 victory over Osun United, while Rima Strikers defeated NAF Rockets 28-20.
Defending champions Safety Shooters also recorded a comfortable 34-20 victory over U&H Abia in the final match.
Two walkover results were also recorded, with COAS Shooters and Niger United awarded 10-0 victories.
This followed the failure of three-time champions Kano Pillars and Benue Buffaloes to honour their respective fixtures.
The 2026 edition of the league, sponsored by Ardova Plc, runs from Nov. 7 to Nov. 21 at Rowe Park Sports Centre, Yaba, and the National Institute for Sports, Surulere, Lagos.
Matches continue on Sunday with Matchday Two at Rowe Park Sports Centre, Yaba.
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