By Joel Ajayi
VIP & Partners Volleyball Club on Thursday produced one of the biggest upsets of the ongoing Customs Comptroller-General (CGC) Volleyball Premier League in Abuja, defeating former champions CNS Spikers 3-1 in a thrilling women’s encounter.
The highly anticipated clash lived up to expectations, with both teams displaying skill, resilience, and determination throughout the contest.
CNS Spikers started strongly, claiming the opening set 25-21 to underline their pedigree. Their sharp attacking play and well-coordinated defence gave them early control of the match.
However, VIP & Partners responded impressively in the second set, showing great composure under pressure to edge a fiercely contested battle 26-24 and level the match at 1-1.
From that point, the momentum shifted completely.
Inspired by growing confidence and excellent teamwork, VIP & Partners maintained their intensity in the third set, narrowly securing a 25-23 victory to take the lead for the first time in the game.
The fourth set proved equally intense as CNS Spikers pushed hard to force a deciding set. But VIP & Partners held their nerve in crucial moments, sealing another 25-23 win to complete a remarkable comeback.
The victory sends a strong warning to other contenders, as VIP & Partners firmly announced themselves as genuine title challengers in the competition.
Speaking after the match, Team Manager of VIP & Partners VC, Samuel Onikeku, praised the team’s performance and steady growth.
“We have a quality team and carefully selected these players because we believe in their talent. With a strong coaching crew and continuous investment, we knew this team could challenge and defeat any opponent,” he said.
Onikeku added that the team’s recent performances, including silver-medal finishes in previous championships, justify the continued support from sponsors and management.
“We are proud of them and will continue to give them every opportunity to grow and perform at the highest level,” he added.
