Rima Strikers continued their impressive run in the ongoing Ardova Handball Premier League with a hard-fought 25-24 victory over Correction Boys yesterday, extending their unbeaten streak in the competition.

The Sokoto-based side, who have now won all seven of their matches, had to dig deep to overcome a spirited Correction Boys team in what was a tightly contested encounter in Benin, Edo State.

Correction Boys had the upper hand in the first half, going into the break with a narrow 13-12 lead. But Rima Strikers, determined to protect their perfect record, rallied in the second half and snatched victory in the dying seconds of the game.

Speaking after the match, Rima Strikers head coach Abdulhakim Yakubu praised his players for sticking to the game plan.

“We are happy that we are doing well here. We faced a lot of obstacles to get here as some officials didn’t want us to come. It took the intervention of a close ally of the governor of the state to get us here. Hopefully, we can win the league at the end of the second phase in Lagos,” he said

Elsewhere in the men’s category, COAS Shooters comfortably defeated Benue Buffaloes 37-27.

Lagos Seasiders came from behind to beat Osun United 26-22, overturning an 11-9 halftime deficit.

In the women’s division, defender Babes cruised past winless Ekiti Queens with a dominant 43-21 victory.

Host team Omo Ogiefo delighted home fans with a commanding 42-23 win over Imo Grasshoppers.