Sports
FRANCISCA Ikhiede, Head Coach, Vipers and Partners Women’s Volleyball Club, has described her team’s opening victory in the ongoing 2026 National Premier Volleyball League as a “dream debut”.
Ikhiede told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the performance reflected the team’s thorough preparation, tactical discipline and mental strength ahead of their first-ever outing in the top-flight league.
“The straight-sets victory over Kada Emeralds has boosted the confidence of my players,” she said.
The Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) is organising the 2026 National Premier Volleyball League at the Indoor Sports Hall, Package B, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
“Marking our Premier League debut with a 3-0 win over Kada Emeralds (25-21, 25-22, 25-22) is a dream debut for us.
“This victory has boosted our confidence as we begin our first campaign in the top-flight league.
“My players were not intimidated. They showed composure, discipline and determination throughout the match,” she Ikhiede.
The coach said starting the season with a win had set a positive tone for subsequent matches.
She added that the team’s discipline and focus were crucial to securing the straight-sets victory in spite of their lack of experience at the elite level.
In another encounter, Life Camp VC secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over NAF Rockets (25-22, 25-21, 9-25, 19-25, 15-7).
Life Camp VC Head Coach, Bala Ibrahim, described the win as “payback”, noting that his players showed resilience after losing momentum in the third and fourth sets.
Also, Federal Fire Service defeated Olalomi Royal Angels 3-1 (26-24, 27-25, 27-25, 25-16).
Nigeria Customs Service recorded a 3-0 victory over Benue Queens (25-13, 25-21, 25-10), while CNS Spikers defeated Excelsior VC 3-0 (25-10, 25-8, 25-18).
In the men’s category, defending champions CNS Spikers edged Defence Spikers 3-2 (20-25, 25-12, 23-25, 25-22, 17-15).
Sani Mohammed of CNS Spikers said the league remained highly competitive, noting that no team could be regarded as a push-over.
“There is no throwaway team in the Premier League. Every match demands maximum concentration,” he said.
Nigeria Customs Service defeated NSCDC 3-1 (23-25, 25-18, 25-17, 31-29), while COAS Spikers beat Kano Pillars 3-1 (25-17, 25-18, 17-25, 25-17).
COAS Spikers Head Coach, Elam Elishama, described the victory as a good start, saying the team would build on the result following his recent appointment as national coach.
Other results saw Nigeria Correctional Service defeat UCEM VC 3-1 (21-25, 25-20, 25-21, 25-22).
Nigeria Police beat Life Camp VC 3-2 (25-19, 25-21, 13-25, 20-25, 15-10), while Offa VC defeated Ajase Ipo 3-1 (25-19, 25-17, 22-25, 25-20).
NAN reports that the league, which commenced on June 13 and will run until June 28 in Abuja, features 12 men’s teams and 12 women’s teams competing for honours.
(NAN)
W.U
June 16, 2026
Tags: Elam Elishama Francisca Ikhiede Sani Mohammed