Safety Shooters, Babes Open Title Defence As Ardova League Begins

The Handball Federation of Nigeria has scheduled the 2026 Ardova Handball Premier League to begin in Lagos on Saturday, November 7, with the Federal Road Safety Corps-backed Safety Shooters and Safety Babes both putting their crowns on the line.

Safety Shooters will meet newly promoted U & H Abia at the NIS Indoor Sports Hall, Surulere, while Safety Babes tackle debutants Funad Academy at the same venue.

The Abuja club is chasing a sixth title since 2018 after clinching a fifth straight women’s crown last season.

Elsewhere in the men’s opening round, COAS Shooters face Kano Pillars at Rowe Park, Benue Buffaloes take on Niger United, Osun United meet Correction Boys, De Defenders clash with 2024 champions Tojemarine Academy, and NAF Rockets battle Rima Striker.

In the women’s fixtures, Plateau Peacocks play Defender Babes, Rima Queens face Rivers Queens, Imo Grasshoppers confront SOOF, and Ekiti Queens meet Omo Ogiefo Academy.

Twelve men’s sides and 10 women’s teams will compete at the NIS Indoor Sports Hall and Rowe Park Sports Complex between November 7 and 21.

The preliminary phase closes November 17, with the top eight teams in each category moving to the quarter-finals on November 19. The semi-finals follow on November 20, while the third-place games and finals are billed for November 21.