The 2024 Ardova Handball Premier League concluded with thrilling final matches at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Institute of Sports in Lagos, Nigeria. Two teams emerged victorious, etching their names into the annals of Nigerian handball history: Tojemarine Handball Club in the men’s category and Safety Babes in the women’s.
Tojemarine Handball Club secured their maiden league title, accumulating an impressive 64 points throughout the season. Their final victory, a hard-fought 36-33 win against Rima Strikers of Sokoto, solidified their position at the top of the table. This win also marked a historic moment for the club, as they became the first team from Southern Nigeria to clinch the title in the 2017-2024 era, breaking the dominance of teams from other regions. The reigning champions, Niger United, finished in third place with 58 points, while Safety Shooters, a consistent presence on the podium in previous years, settled for fourth place with 57 points. Sunshine Kings and Confluence Stars faced the disappointment of relegation to division one.
In the women’s category, Safety Babes continued their reign of dominance, capturing their fourth consecutive Ardova Handball Premier League title and their fifth overall. Their commanding performance throughout the season culminated in a 36-32 victory over their rivals, Defender Babes, in the final match. This win not only secured the championship but also extended their remarkable winning streak to an astounding 53 matches since 2022. Out of 55 matches played during this period, Safety Babes have achieved 53 victories, one draw, and a single loss, which occurred in a relatively inconsequential game against Defender Babes in 2022 after they had already secured the league title. Defender Babes, despite falling short in the final, finished the league in a respectable second place with 45 points.
The individual brilliance of players also contributed significantly to the excitement of the league. Friday Pagiel Saipwa of Adamawa Warriors emerged as the highest goal scorer in the men’s category with an impressive tally of 151 goals, playing a crucial role in his team’s successful fight against relegation. Abdulrasaq Idowu Bolanle of Defender Babes mirrored this achievement in the women’s category, also netting 151 goals. While individual scoring prowess was celebrated, the overall team performance and strategic gameplay ultimately determined the final standings.
The relegation battle added further drama to the concluding stages of the league. Sunshine Kings in the men’s category and COAS Babes and Bendel Dynamos in the women’s category were relegated, highlighting the competitive nature of the league and the constant fight for survival. Adamawa Warriors narrowly avoided relegation in the men’s category, their final-day victory proving crucial to their survival. These relegation battles added another layer of intensity to the final matches, emphasizing the importance of every game and every point earned throughout the season.
The final matches of the Ardova Handball Premier League were not just about the crowning of champions but also about the celebration of individual excellence and team effort. The Most Valuable Player award in the women’s category was bestowed upon Ohakwe Udochukwu of Imo Grasshoppers, recognizing her exceptional contributions throughout the season. While Imo Grasshoppers narrowly missed a podium finish, placing fourth, Udochukwu’s individual recognition underscored her importance to the team and her impact on the league.
The grand finale of the Ardova Handball Premier League 2024 was a resounding success, drawing a large and enthusiastic crowd to witness the culmination of a season of thrilling handball action. The presence of dignitaries, including the top management of Ardova PLC led by Chairman Dr. Abdulwasiu Sowami and a representative of the Director General of the National Sports Commission, further elevated the significance of the event. The 2024 season will be remembered for the historic victory of Tojemarine Handball Club, the continued dominance of Safety Babes, the exciting individual performances, and the intense relegation battles. The league’s success underscores the growing popularity of handball in Nigeria and the important role it plays in the country’s sporting landscape.
