The 2026 Ardova Handball Premier League has begun with the same relentless dominance that has defined the Federal Road Safety Corps-owned teams, Safety Babes and Safety Shooters. The opening round, played at Rowe Park Sports Centre in Yaba, Lagos, saw both sides secure convincing victories to kickstart their title defences—one of the most storied rivalries in Nigerian handball.
Safety Babes, the women’s team, opened their campaign with a 43-18 demolition of Funad Academy, a debutant side in the league. The margin of victory underscores the gulf between the defending champions and the rest of the competition, as Safety Babes continue their pursuit of a sixth consecutive title and their seventh overall since the league’s inception in 2018. Their opening win was not just a statement of intent but a reaffirmation of their status as the most formidable force in women’s handball in Nigeria. The team’s consistency over the past five seasons has been unmatched, and their ability to adapt and elevate their play year after year remains a benchmark for the sport.
Meanwhile, Safety Shooters, the men’s team, also began their title defence with a commanding performance against U & H Abia, a newly promoted side. While the exact score of that match was not provided, the result was equally decisive, reflecting the team’s determination to retain the title they won in the previous season. The opening round fixtures were carefully structured to test both teams against fresh competition, and their early victories signal that neither side is backing down from the challenge of defending their crowns.
The significance of these wins extends beyond individual match results. For Safety Babes, the victory over Funad Academy was a reminder of the sheer quality they bring to the table—a blend of experience, tactical discipline, and sheer athleticism that has kept them atop the women’s division for nearly a decade. Similarly, Safety Shooters’ performance sets the tone for what could be another dominant season, with their ability to outmanoeuvre opponents at both ends of the court a testament to their depth and cohesion. As the league progresses, the question will not be whether these teams can defend their titles, but how far they can extend their reigns in a competition that has already seen them rewrite the record books.
With the 2026 Ardova Handball Premier League now underway, the stage is set for a battle of attrition. Safety Babes and Safety Shooters have already proven they are not just contenders—they are the ones who dictate the pace of the game. Their early victories are more than just wins; they are a declaration that the title races will be theirs to lose, and that the rest of the league will have to play at an entirely different level to challenge them.
