Reigning champions Niger United of Minna defeated Kano Pillars 21-18 on Wednesday to continue their winning run in the ongoing Ardova Handball Premier League in Benin, Edo State.
The explosive clash had both sides coming out in the early minutes of the encounter to assert dominance. However, the two teams were evenly matched as it took some strong defensive displays on the part of the champions to emerge victorious.
Pillars had their moments in the game but failure to convert their scoring chances was their bane and they now have one win from their first three games.
It was also a battle of technical wits between United’s coach Adebayo Yekini and Solomon Yola of Pillars but it was Yekini who clinched his third win in as many games in his desire to retain the title.
“I have told the players that we need to improve more on our goal scoring rate as we lost many scoring chances in 2023. We were not impressive last year due to the exit of some of our top players.
“The team utilised the players available and we finished fourth but this time I want to assure you that we will definitely start the season positively.”
Yola said the club had enjoyed adequate moral support from the residents of Kano ahead of the start of the league.
