Owena Kings of Ondo have won promotion back to the Prudent Energy Handball Premier League after securing a vital 29-23 win over Borno Spiders, on a dramatic final day of the National Division One Handball League, which ended on Saturday, in Benin City, capital of Edo State.
Owena Kings had to really dig deep, and victory over Borno Spiders, also ensured that they won the men’s tournament of the National Division One League, by finishing on top of the log with 18 points; same as Benue Buffaloes, which placed 2nd because of an inferior head to head record.
It means Benue Buffaloes will be making their debut at the Prudent Energy Handball Premier League.
They had earlier defeated Suleja Shooters 38-21 to finish overall second.
Edo Dynamos needed a victory of any margin to give themselves a fighting chance of getting promoted to the Premier League, but they lacked the cutting edge and had to settle with a disappointing 27-27 draw against Correction Boys of Abuja.
Elsewhere, Kwara United defeated Mindscope Academy 39-34, to condemn the Academy side to their seventh defeat, in as many matches.
Meanwhile, Sokoto Rima finishes on top of the women’s league log with 12 points and will be making their debut at the Prudent Energy Handball Premier League while Benue Queens makes a return to the top tier league after finishing second with 10 points.
Delta Force of Asaba, who were in contention to win promotion, eventually finished in 3rd spot, with nine points, from 5 matches.
Final Day Results (Men)
Borno Spiders 23, Owena Kings 29
Benue Buffaloes 38,Suleja Shooters 21
Kwara United 39, Mindscope Academy 34
Corrections Boys 27, Edo Dynamos 27
Editing by Daniel Adejo.