The Rockets
By Solomon Nwoke
Nigeria Air Force (NAF) Rockets pulled off one of the biggest upsets on Day Three of the 2026 Ardova Handball Premier League (AHPL) defeating defending 2024 champions Tojemarine Academy 37-34 in a keenly contested men’s encounter Monday in Lagos.
The newcomers to the top-flight competition took control early, opening up an impressive 19-11 lead at half-time. Tojemarine fought back strongly after the break but could not overturn the deficit as NAF Rockets held on for a memorable victory.
In another closely fought encounter, Benue Buffaloes battled to a 26-26 draw against U&H Abia despite arriving at the competition venue only a day before their opening fixture. Both sides were locked at 12-12 at the interval but failed to find a winner in an evenly matched contest.
Elsewhere in the men’s category, defending champions Safety Shooters maintained their winning run with a 33-25 victory over COAS Shooters, while Rima Strikers defeated Correction Boys 33-20.
De Defenders edged two-time champions Niger United 22-21, while Osun United secured a 10-0 walkover victory over Kano Pillars.
In the women’s category, defending champions Safety Babes continued their dominant run with a 39-18 demolition of Ekiti Queens, having established an 18-8 half-time lead.
The FRSC-backed side remain firmly on course in their bid to secure an unprecedented sixth consecutive Ardova Handball Premier League title.
Plateau Peacocks also recorded a convincing 34-21 win over Imo Grasshoppers, while Defender Babes defeated Omo Ogiefo Academy 36-24. Rima Queens overcame Funad Academy 26-16, and SOOF saw off Rivers Queens 26-17.
Action in the competition continues today at the Rowe Park Sports Centre, Yaba, Lagos, as teams seek to strengthen their positions in the league standings.
Editorial note: I have retained all the match results and key details while removing repetition and tightening the language. The headline foregrounds the major upset, while the report follows a conventional Nigerian newspaper sports-news structure.
One point to verify before publication: the reference to Tojemarine Academy as 2024 champions and Safety Babes as defending champions should be checked against the official competition records.
