In a display of resilience that transcended the scoreboard, the Benue Queens Women’s Volleyball Club secured a decisive 3–0 victory (26-24, 25-18, 25-23) over Kada Emeralds on Thursday at the 2025 Comptroller General of Customs Volleyball Premier League in Abuja. The match, held at the indoor sports hall of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, was more than a routine win; it was a testament to perseverance in the face of systemic challenges plaguing Nigerian sports.
The straight-sets victory, while clear, was hard-fought. The opening set’s narrow 26-24 margin hinted at the pressure the Queens faced, but they steadily asserted dominance, culminating in a tense 25-23 close in the third. This performance becomes remarkable when contrasted with the revelations from team captain Maureen Tyoakaa post-match. She disclosed that the team nearly withdrew from the competition due to severe financial constraints and inadequate training, common hurdles for many government-owned teams in Nigeria where funding is often inconsistent.
“Our performance is okay, considering we didn’t train as a team due to the challenges we faced before coming here,” Tyoakaa stated. “We were scattered, and even getting to Abuja was a challenge.” The team’s participation was ultimately a strategic move to avoid relegation, made possible only through personal sacrifices and the support of former players and coaches—a grassroots support system that often fills the gaps left by institutional shortcomings.
Emerging from this backdrop of adversity, Chekuzo Rahab was named the match’s Most Valuable Player (MVP), receiving a cash prize of N5,000. Her individual excellence, symbolizing the latent talent within the league, shone through the team’s collective struggle.
The day’s other results painted a picture of a competitive final phase in Abuja. COAS delivered a commanding 3–0 win (25-13, 25-20, 25-15) over NAF Rockets, while LVC displayed coordinated play to defeat Wikki in straight sets (25-23, 25-18, 25-20). NSCDC overpowered ORS 3–0, and NCS handed Anambra Queens a heavy defeat (25-13, 25-14, 25-21), despite a late push in the final set.
Looking ahead, Benue Queens face the COAS team on Friday, while Kada Emeralds are set to battle Wikki. With two matches remaining, Captain Tyoakaa emphasized her team’s determination to maximize their remaining opportunities, a mindset forged in hardship. The 2025 Comptroller General of Customs Volleyball Premier League final phase, which commenced on Dec. 1 and runs until Dec. 13 at Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, thus serves not only as a sporting contest but as a stark showcase of the passion and perseverance that sustains Nigerian volleyball amid significant operational challenges. The Benue Queens’ victory, therefore, is a powerful narrative of triumph over circumstance, echoing far beyond the court.
Edited by Joseph Edeh
