Defending men’s champions Kano Pillars were given a reality check in their quest to retain their title as they suffered defeat to Safety Shooters on Sunday in the Prudent Energy Handball Premier League at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

Pillars had struggled to get past former champions Niger United in their opener before ultimately prevailing by just one point in a 20-19 victory.

Any thoughts that their struggles on the opening day might be down to rustiness have to be reconsidered as the signs that retaining their title might be a tall order are becoming glaring after they were edged 19-20 by Safety Shooters.

Also in the men’s category, COAS Shooters bested Niger United 30-28, De Defenders defeated Kada Stars 26-20, Delta Force edged Plateau Vipers 20-21 while Lagos Seasiders made it two wins on the bounce with a 26-23 victory over Confluence Stars.

In the women’s category, defending champions Safety Babes shrugged off their opening day loss to get their first win of the tournament with a narrow 21-20 win over Imo Grasshoppers 21-20.

In other games, Edo Dynamos defeated Defender Babes 25-22, Seasiders Babes saw off Benue Queens 34-31 while Kada Queens trounced Desert Queens 31-16.

Matches continue on Monday, 2 November.

Match Day 2 Results

Women’s Draw

Imo Grasshoppers 20-21 Safety Babes

Edo Dynamos 25-22 Defender Babes

Seasider Babes 34-31 Benue Queens

Desert Queens 16-31 Kada Queens

Men’s Draw

COAS Shooters 30-28 Niger United

De Defenders 26-20 Kada Stars

Plateau Vipers 20-21 Delta Force

Lagos Seasiders 26-23 Confluence Stars

Safety Shooters 20-19 Kano Pillars