The second phase of the Ardova Handball Premier League 2024 is set to begin today, at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Institute of Sports, Surulere, and Rowe Park Sports Center, Yaba, Lagos.

This phase, sponsored by Ardova PLC, will run until December 8, 2024, culminating in the crowning of champions in both the men’s and women’s categories.

Following the first phase held earlier this year in Benin City, Edo State, all 22 teams (12 men’s and 10 women’s) have arrived in Lagos, ready to resume their campaigns.

A mandatory technical meeting for team officials, coaches, referees, and delegates will be held at Rowe Park Sports Center. The Secretary General of the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN), Mr. Almu Umar Lambu, stated that the meeting will focus on reinforcing league rules aligned with the CAHB and IHF statutes.

Current leaders, Tojemarine Academy, sitting atop the table with 33 points, will face seventh-place Corrections Boys as they aim to maintain their lead. Rima Strikers, in second place with 29 points, will start their campaign against De Defenders. Defending champions Niger United will battle Sunshine Kings in their quest to turn their season around.

Unbeaten defending champions Safety Babes, leading with 27 points, will open their second phase campaign against sixth-place Rivers Queens. Second-place Defender Babes, with 23 points, will take on fourth-place Rima Queens.

The league leaders, Tojemarine Academy (men’s) and Safety Babes (women’s), aim to retain their top spots and clinch the championship titles at the conclusion of this exciting second phase.