NY Spikers head coach Lizzy Asemah could barely contain her joy after her team recovered from setbacks to beat QAT Spikers 3-2 in the women’s division of the ongoing 2026 National Division 1 & 2 Volleyball League at Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
The match delivered one of the most compelling spectacles of the competition to date, with NY Spikers showing grit and resolve as they battled through five hard-fought sets to secure the win.
NY Spikers edged the opening set 26-24, only for QAT Spikers to respond emphatically with a 25-14 victory in the second. The third set was equally tight, with QAT Spikers taking it 26-24 to move one step closer to victory. However, Asemah’s team regrouped to win the fourth set 25-15 and force a deciding fifth set.
In the final set, NY Spikers stayed composed to clinch a memorable 15-11 triumph, handing them their first win of the season.
Speaking after the contest, an emotional Asemah described the result as a major boost to her squad’s belief, pointing to the team’s limited preparation and comparatively low exposure against opponents.
“I feel elated. If I say I am happy is an understatement,” Asemah said after the match. “It was our first outing and we secured our first win. It is a very big plus for myself and the team. Our self-confidence has taken up to a 100 percent right now.”
She also praised the determination shown by her players, explaining that many of them are amateurs who had to compete against a side that had been training longer and appeared better prepared.
“I am most happy because my players are amateur players and they had to battle against people who have been in camp for so long and who have experienced a lot of training. We had a short time to prepare. We are glad,” she added.
Asemah further expressed pride in her team’s courage throughout the encounter.
“I am so proud of them right now. Even if they had lost I will always be proud of them. To whom much is given, much is expected and for every new level there is a new devil. We are ready to take the devil ahead of the levels.”
Men’s Division One results
In the men’s Division One category, NAF Rockets made light work of Wikki Spikers, winning 3-0 in straight sets. All three sets ended with the same scoreline as Rockets prevailed 25-23 each time.
Fire Fighters also claimed a 3-1 win over Plateau Rocks. Fire Fighters took the opening set 25-22, but Plateau Rocks responded with a 25-20 win in the second. The match then swung back in Fire Fighters’ favour as they captured the next two sets 25-12 and 25-23.
Women’s fixtures
In another women’s encounter, Niger Brass recorded a 3-0 sweep of Kuje Spikers, winning 25-17, 25-22 and 25-21 to complete a comfortable victory.
