The Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) has announced a minor adjustment to the schedule of the 2025 Ardova Handball Premier League Phase 2, set to hold later this month in Lagos. 

In a statement signed by the HFN Secretary General, Mrs. Monica Otumala, the new dates for the second phase of the top-flight league, proudly sponsored by Ardova PLC, have been moved slightly forward.

The competition will now run from November 24 to December 6, 2025, instead of the earlier schedule of November 25 to December 7, 2025.

According to the updated itinerary, participating teams are expected to arrive on Monday, November 24, with matches kicking off the following day, Tuesday, November 25, and running through Friday, December 5.

Departure is slated for Saturday, December 6, 2025. The venues remain unchanged: the NIS Indoor Sports Hall, Surulere, and the Rowe Park Sports Centre, Yaba, will host all fixtures.

While apologizing for any inconvenience caused by the date change, Mrs. Otumala urged all participating clubs to intensify preparations and ensure that documentary registrations of players are completed on or before November 10, 2025.

“This is to inform you that there is a slight change in the 2nd phase of the 2025 Ardova Handball Premier League, originally scheduled for November 25–December 7. The new date is November 24–December 6,”

Mrs. Otumala stated. Meanwhile, Safety Shooters and Safety Babes, both representing the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), lead the men’s and women’s categories respectively following an impressive Phase 1 outing in Benin City, Edo State, last July.

In the men’s division, Safety Shooters top the standings with 28 points and a +91 goal difference, closely followed by COAS Shooters, who also have 28 points but trail with a +50 goal difference.

Rima Strikers of Sokoto sit third with 25 points, while defending champions Tojemarine HC occupy fourth place with 24 points. On the women’s side, the dominant Safety Babes continue their remarkable run, maintaining an unbeaten streak since 2022.

The five-time champions lead the table with 21 points from a perfect record, as Rima Queens trail narrowly with 19 points. Former champions Plateau Peacocks follow in third with 15 points, while Imo Grasshoppers and newcomers Soof Omo Ogiefo HBC round out the top five with 13 points apiece.