Grasshoppers Hold Rivers Queens As Niger United Beat Seasiders
- Grasshoppers of Owerri and Rivers Queens drew 23-23 in a thrilling match.
- Plateau Peacocks defeated Ekiti Queens 37-18, showcasing their dominance.
- Niger United secured a decisive 30-25 win over Lagos Seasiders.
- Coach Kayode remains hopeful despite Ekiti Queens’ tough losses.
- The league has been an eye-opener for many teams, especially debutants.
Grasshoppers and Rivers Queens Battle to a Stalemate
Grasshoppers of Owerri and Rivers Queens played out a hard-fought 23-23 draw on Day Two of the Ardova Handball Premier League, taking place in Benin City, Edo State. In this exciting match, Rivers Queens had a strong start, leading 13-8 at halftime. However, the Grasshoppers made a commendable comeback, showcasing their resilience to secure a point in this evenly matched encounter.
Plateau Peacocks and Other Key Matches
Moving on to the women’s category, Plateau Peacocks delivered a solid performance, defeating Ekiti Queens 37-18, with a halftime score of 18-11 in their favor. On the men’s side of the league, Rima Strikers edged past Adamawa Warriors with a 27-23 victory. Meanwhile, Niger United secured a win against the Lagos Seasiders, finishing strong at 30-25, and Safety Shooters claimed victory over Benue Buffaloes in a close match, winning 26-22.
Coach Kayode Remains Positive Despite Losses
Despite suffering two losses so far in the league, Ekiti Queens’ coach, Ayo-Idowu Kayode, remains optimistic about his team’s future in the championship. Kayode remarked that his young side has a lot to learn from competing at this level, as both he and his players experience the elite league for the first time. He reflected on their earlier defeats, including a significant loss to Safety Babes of 59-29, expressing that the experience has been quite valuable and eye-opening, especially for a team from Ekiti State, which traditionally focuses more on football than handball. Kayode noted that the high level of competition in the league is impressive, observing how meticulously teams adapt their strategies in the quest for success. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of using this tournament as a platform to gain insight and grow in spirit and skill.
The Ardova Handball Premier League continues to showcase intense competition, with Grasshoppers managing to hold Rivers Queens in a notable draw. Plateau Peacocks stand out with their strong victory against Ekiti Queens, while other men’s matches highlight the resilience and strategy of teams like Niger United and Safety Shooters. Coach Kayode’s insights reflect the league’s competitive nature and point towards hopeful futures for emerging teams amidst tough battles.
