Reigning form took a hit on Day 9 of the third CGC Volleyball Premier League on Monday in Abuja, as CNS Spikers handed COAS Spikers their first loss of the season to leave the men’s title race noticeably more open. In the women’s competition, Nigeria Customs Service and NSCDC delivered contrasting results that reshuffled the upper end of the standings.
Men’s action: COAS suffer first setback
COAS arrived at the day still unbeaten across their previous nine matches, but CNS responded from a set behind to win 3-1. After dropping the opening set 22-25, CNS took control by claiming the next three frames 25-21, 25-14 and 25-17.
The outcome not only ended COAS’ perfect run, it also tightened the men’s race at the top, with CNS moving firmly into the group of leading challengers.
- CNS Spikers beat COAS Spikers 3-1 after recovering from a set down in Abuja.
- COAS won the first set 25-22 before CNS levelled with a 25-21 second set.
- CNS then dominated the final three sets, taking them 25-14 and 25-17 to seal victory.
Elsewhere in the men’s fixtures, NSCDC Spikers overcame Nigeria Correctional Service 3-1. After falling into an early hole by losing the first set 23-25, NSCDC won the next three sets 25-14, 25-19 and 25-22 to complete the turnaround.
Life Camp VC also registered a 3-1 win over Ajase Ipo. Offa VC produced a straight-sets performance, sweeping Sunshine Spikers 3-0. Kano Pillars, meanwhile, fought back from losing the first two sets to hold off UCEM VC 3-2 in a five-set thriller.
Reaction: NSCDC coach pleased with progress
NSCDC head coach Samuel Ajayi said the result reflected continued improvement from his side.
“I am very happy that the boys have finally found their rhythm,” Ajayi said. “I think we should be fourth on the log now.”
Women’s division: NSCDC stage major comeback
In the women’s category, NSCDC pulled off one of the biggest shocks of the competition so far by edging COAS Spikers 3-2. NSCDC found themselves trailing 0-2 after losing the opening sets 24-26 and 24-26, but they rallied to win the last three sets 25-22, 26-28 and 12-15.
- NSCDC slipped to a 0-2 deficit against COAS Spikers after consecutive 24-26 losses.
- NSCDC then won the third set 25-22 to start the comeback.
- They edged a tightly contested fourth set 26-28.
- NSCDC finished strongly in the decider, winning 12-15.
Women’s results: Customs keep unbeaten, others respond
Nigeria Customs Service continued their unbeaten run in the women’s competition with a convincing 3-0 victory over NAF Rockets. Other matches saw Olalomi Royal Angels fight back from two sets down to defeat Anambra Queens 3-2, while VIP & Partners beat Excelsior VC 3-0.
Kada Emeralds were also dominant, recording a 3-0 win over Life Camp VC. Fire Service claimed a 3-1 triumph against Benue Queens, and Defence Spikers overcame Nigeria Police Force 3-1.
Standings after nine matchdays
With nine matchdays completed, COAS Spikers still hold a strong position near the top of the men’s standings despite absorbing their first defeat. Nigeria Customs Service, CNS Spikers, NSCDC and Defence Spikers are all positioned among the contenders as the competition moves into its more decisive stretch.
In the women’s division, Nigeria Customs Service remain top and unbeaten. NSCDC, COAS Spikers, VIP & Partners and CNS Spikers occupy the leading places as the first phase approaches its key turning points.
