The Lagos derby lived up to every ounce of its anticipation on Thursday as Lagos Seasiders stunned defending champions Tojemarine Academy 23–22 with a last-second winner in one of the most dramatic matches of the Ardova Handball Premier League 2025 Phase 2 at the Rowe Park Sports Center, Yaba.
The Seasiders, who trailed for large spells of the encounter, held their nerve in a tense finish, capitalising on a late turnover to snatch victory from their city rivals.
Tojemarine, champions of the last edition, pushed relentlessly in the closing moments but were undone by a decisive final play that sent the Seasiders’ bench into wild celebration.
Earlier in the men’s fixtures, COAS Shooters maintained their strong form with a comfortable 34–24 win over Correction Boys after leading 15–13 at halftime.
Benue Buffaloes survived a late scare to edge Osun United 23–22, having established an early 13–8 advantage but struggling to keep momentum in the second half.
It was a walkover for Safety Shooters, who were awarded a 10–0 win against Adamawa Warriors.
In the final match of the men’s round, Rima Strikers put up a spirited second-half performance to defeat Niger United 27–22, overturning an 11–14 halftime deficit to claim an impressive comeback victory.
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In the female category, defending champions Safety Babes were made to work hard before securing a 32–29 win over a determined Plateau Peacocks side. The Peacocks led 17–16 at the break, but Safety Babes’ composure and depth once again proved decisive as they continued their quest for a historic five-peat.
Rima Queens kept their title hopes alive with a tight 28–26 win over Omo Ogiefo Academy, overturning a 13–14 halftime deficit while Imo Grasshoppers came back to winning ways as they held off a fierce late push from Defender Babes to win 34–32 as Ekiti Queens battled to a hard-earned 28–26 victory over Rivers Queens in another closely contested encounter.
Ardova Handball Premier League 2025 Phase 2
RESULTS OF DAY 3 MATCHES (27/11/25)
FEMALE:
1)Plateau Peacocks–Safety Babes 29–32 (17–16).
2) RIma Queens–Omo Ogiefo Acad 28–26 (13–14).
3) Imo Grasshoppers–Defender Babes 34–32 (18–14).
4) Rivers Queens–Ekiti Queens 26–28 (13–13).
MALE:
1) COAS Shooters–Correction Boys 34–24 (15–13).
2) Benue Buffaloes–Osun United 23–22 (13–08).
3) Safety Shooters–Adamawa Warriors 10–00 (W/O).
4) Lagos Seasiders–Tojemarine Academy 23–22 (12–10).
5) Rima Strikers–Niger United 27–22 (11–14).
