Day 8 of the Ardova Handball Premier League 2025 delivered all the drama, tension, and excitement that fans have come to expect from Nigeria’s premier handball showpiece. In the standout clash of the day, the COAS Shooters held their nerve in a pulsating encounter to narrowly defeat Safety Shooters, while Tojemarine Academy and Safety Babes continued their imperious unbeaten streaks in the men’s and women’s categories respectively.
At the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, the duel between COAS Shooters and Safety Shooters drew a large crowd, and the players on both sides did not disappoint. From the blast of the whistle, it was clear this was going to be a fight to the final second. Safety Shooters, buoyed by their energetic backline and swift counterattacks, took an early lead, exploiting gaps in COAS’s defense. However, COAS Shooters, marshaled by their experienced captain and a disciplined defensive unit, clawed their way back with quick passing and clinical finishes.
The game turned into a goal-for-goal exchange, each side refusing to give an inch. The intensity reached a fever pitch in the final five minutes. With the scores level, COAS Shooters forced a crucial turnover and capitalized on the break to edge ahead by a single goal. Despite desperate attempts by Safety Shooters to find an equalizer, COAS’s goalkeeper pulled off two stunning saves in the dying seconds to seal a dramatic win for the army-backed side. The final scoreline — 27-26 — was a testament to the razor-thin margin between the two teams.
The win is significant for COAS Shooters, who have bounced back from early setbacks this season. The victory over one of the league’s top contenders shows their resolve to challenge for the title as the second round of matches intensifies. For Safety Shooters, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow, but the performance still showcased their championship pedigree and the fierce rivalry that has defined these two sides in recent seasons.
Meanwhile, Tojemarine Academy continued their ruthless run in the men’s division, dispatching Confluence Stars with a commanding 35-21 victory. The Lagos-based side showed why they remain favorites for the crown, combining defensive solidity with lightning-quick breaks and fluid teamwork. Their attack, led by last season’s top scorer, was relentless, leaving Confluence Stars chasing shadows for large parts of the match.
With this win, Tojemarine remain unbeaten in the competition and sit comfortably at the summit of the men’s standings. Their coach praised the players for their professionalism and focus, urging them to stay grounded with tougher fixtures ahead. For Confluence Stars, the defeat highlighted areas for improvement, especially in transitioning from defense to attack under pressure.
In the women’s division, Safety Babes continued to set the pace, making it eight wins out of eight. They overcame a spirited effort from Defender Babes to post a 30-24 win in another entertaining match-up. Safety Babes, the defending champions, were pushed hard in the first half, with Defender Babes capitalizing on a few sloppy passes to keep the scores tight. But as the game wore on, Safety Babes’ experience and squad depth shone through. Their fast breaks and precise shooting proved too much for their opponents to contain.
The unbeaten run has strengthened Safety Babes’ position at the top of the table, reinforcing their status as the team to beat. Their coach credited the victory to the players’ fitness and discipline, especially in managing the tempo of the game when it mattered most.
Elsewhere on Day 8, Rima Strikers produced one of the surprise results of the day with a 29-28 win over Niger United in a nail-biting contest. Rima, who have endured an inconsistent campaign, dug deep to claim the win and boost their mid-table ambitions. In the women’s category, Imo Grasshoppers bounced back from a string of losses to defeat Seasider Babes 26-20, bringing much-needed confidence back to their camp.
As the Ardova Handball Premier League 2025 moves into its decisive phase, the competition is heating up. The top teams are pulling away, but mid-table sides are refusing to roll over, making every point vital. The fans, too, have added color and passion to the league, with the Abuja venue witnessing impressive turnouts and vocal support for the clubs.
If Day 8 is anything to go by, the remainder of the league promises more high-octane clashes, individual brilliance, and potential upsets. For COAS Shooters, Tojemarine, and Safety Babes, the target is clear — stay unbeaten, stay sharp, and stay ahead. For the chasing pack, every game is now a battle for survival and a chance to write their own piece of handball history.
The Ardova Handball Premier League 2025 rolls on, and so does the drama, reminding everyone why this league is fast becoming a cornerst
one of Nigerian sports.
