Defending champions, Niger United of Minna defeated Kano Pillars 21-18 yesterday to continue their winning run in the ongoing Ardova Handball Premier League in Benin, Edo State.
The closely-fought game saw both sides coming out in the early minutes of the encounter to assert dominance. But the two teams were evenly matched and it took some strong defensive display on the part of the defending champions to emerge victorious.
Pillars had their moments in the game but failure to convert their scoring chances was their bane and now have one win from their first three games.
It was also a battle of technical wit between Niger United’s coach, Adebayo Yekini and Coach Solomon Yola of Pillars as both dished out instructions from court side to inspire their players.
Coach Yekini won the battle as he recorded his third win from three games in pursuit of his desire to retain the title.
In other games in the men’s category yesterday, Rima Strikers beat Correction Boys 33-32, Tojemarine Academy walked over Confluence Stars, while D:Defenders defeated newly-promoted Adamawa Warriors 36—28.
In the women category, Imo Grasshoppers lost to Rivers Queens 29-33, Defender Babes beat Plateau Peacocks 28—20, Seasider Babes lost to Safety Babes 23-33, while COAS Babes fell to Rima Queens 21—34.
