The stage is set for the second phase of the Ardova Handball Premier League as players from the 22 participating teams arrived in Lagos State on Tuesday, Afrosport reports.
The second phase of the league, which is set to begin on Wednesday, November 27, and end on December 8, will see champions crowned in both the men’s and women’s categories.
The games in Lagos will be played at the National Institute for Sports (NIS) Indoor Sports Hall in Surulere and the Rowe Park Sports Center in Yaba, following the conclusion of the first phase in Benin City, Edo State, earlier in the year.
Tojemarine is the dominant force in the men’s category, leading with 33 points, four points above second-placed Rima Strikers, who will begin their phase 2 campaign against De Defenders.
The league leaders, however, will be looking to maintain their lead at the top when they face seventh-placed Correction Boys in the second phase. Meanwhile, defending champions Niger United are up against Sunshine Kings, who lie in 10th position.
In the women’s category, defending champions Safety Babes, who are unbeaten in over two years, lead with 27 points and will begin their second phase campaign against sixth-placed Rivers Queens, while Defender Babes, second in the league standings with 23 points, play fourth-placed Rima Queens.
Shina Sanya, the tournament director, revealed that the schedule of fixtures was released before hand to help teams prepare adequately for the league.
He said: “As we usually do, we have released the schedule of fixtures way ahead of time so that the 22 participating teams will commence adequate preparation ahead of the matches.
“I do believe all the teams have seen the fixtures and will adequately prepare and schedule their travels so that they get to Lagos, and attend the technical meeting before playing against their opponents.”
