Defending champion Kano Pillars began the defense of their title with a well deserved victory as they defeated Rima Strikers on day 1 of the Ardova Handball Premier League 2023 phase 1 in Benin City, Edo State.

The Solomon Yola tutored team were made to work hard but eventually earned a comfortable 30-23 victory over Rima Strikers.

In other matches in men category, former champion Niger United had to dig deep before defeating Confluence Stars 28-23 while Tojemarine came out on top in the battle of Lagos as they defeated Seasider Boys of Lagos 29-23.

Home team Bendel Dynamos defeated Police Machine 24-23 while former champion Safety Shooters easily defeated Benue Buffaloes 38-20

In the women category, newly promoted Delta Force showed tenacity as they shockingly defeated old war horse Imo Grasshoppers 25-20 while Seasider Babes of Lagos couldn’t matchup as they lost 29-25 to an enterprising Defender Babes.

Rima Queens served a sour welcome back package to Bayelsa United with a comfortable 32-24 victory while a last ditch goal gave Plateau Peacocks a 23-22 victory over Bendel Dynamos who had home support.

Defending champion Safety Babes made mince meat of Benue Queens with an emphatic 42-24 victory to begin their title defence.

Ardova Handball Premier League 2023 Phase 1 Day 1 Results 

Women Category

1. Delta Force 25-20 Imo Grasshoppers

 2. Lagos Seasiders Babes 25- 29 De Defenders Babes

3. Rima Queens 32-24 Bayelsa Queens

4. Plateau Peacocks 23-22 Bendel Dynamos

5. Safety Babes 42-24 Benue Queens 

Men Category

1. Pillars 30-23 Rima Strikers

2. Niger United 28-23 Confluence Stars

3.Tojemarine Academy 29-23 Seasiders Kings

4. Bendel Dynamos 24-23 Police Machine

5. Safety Shooters 38 – 20 Benue Buffaloes 

6. De Defenders 31-27 Correction Boys