Rima Strikers HC and Rivers Queens produced upsets on Day 4 of the ongoing 2024 Ardova Handball Premier League in Benin City, Edo State on Thursday.
Rima Strikers defeated former champions, Safety Shooters 27 to 24 goals in one of the most shocking match of the day. The win against Safety Shooters means they are yet to record a loss in four games.
Rima Strikers on Tuesday beat three times champions, Kano Pillars 32 to 27 goals in a classic encounter at the Samuel Ogbemudia indoor sports complex.
Rima Strikers player, Timothy Nzamwa told www.aclsports.com that the win against Safety Shooters shows that the team is ready for the title.
Nzamwa said the coaches were dishing out instructions from the side-line which was helpful throughout the duration of the game.
He said, “I am happy we were able to beat Safety Shooters who are one of the best teams in the league. Most people thought it was impossible for us (Rima Strikers) to get a win against Shooter, we proved doubters that anything can happen.
“When we beat Kano Pillars HC (former champions) our coach told us that if we believe in ourselves, all teams are beatable. We brought that mentality into the game against Safety Shooters and you can see the results. Our coach was on his toes throughout the giving us instructions on how to neutralize the experienced Shooters”.
Meanwhile, the assistant coach of Rivers Queens, Michael Akande praised his girls for putting up a wonderful display against Plateau Peacocks.
He said, “I am super proud of the players because they have performed beyond my expectations. Beating Imo Grasshoppers and Plateau Peacocks shows that there is improvements in the squad after the National Division One”.
Day 4 results:
Women.
COAS Babes 21-26 Delta Queens
Rivers Queens 24-22 Plateau Peacocks
Rima Queens 28-34 Safety Babes
Bendel Dynamos 17-33 Imo Grasshoppers
Seasider Babes 28-36 Defender Babes
Men.
Tojemarine Academy 32-21 Correction Boys
Sunshine Kings 23-24 De Defenders
Benue Buffaloes 33-27 Adamawa Warriors
Lagos Seasiders 20-27 Kano Pillars
Confluence Stars 0-10 Niger United (W/O)
Safety Shooters 24-27 Rima Strikers
