NY Spikers Rally Past QAT in Abuja Thriller as Asemah Salutes Team’s Fighting Spirit
NY Spikers head coach, Lizzy Asemah, could not hide her excitement after her side battled from adversity to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory over QAT Spikers in the women’s category of the ongoing 2026 National Division 1 & 2 Volleyball League at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
The encounter produced one of the most entertaining games of the competition so far, with NY Spikers showing resilience and determination to emerge victorious after five intense sets.
NY Spikers claimed the opening set 26-24 before QAT Spikers responded strongly with a dominant 25-14 win in the second set. QAT Spikers then edged the third set 26-24 to move within touching distance of victory, but Asemah’s side fought back brilliantly to take the fourth set 25-15 and force a decider.
In the decisive fifth set, NY Spikers maintained their composure to seal a memorable 15-11 triumph and record their first win of the campaign.
Reacting after the match, an emotional Asemah described the victory as a massive confidence booster for her team, especially considering their limited preparation and lack of experience compared to their opponents.
“I feel elated. If I say I am happy is an understatement,” Asemah said after the game.
“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.”
The coach praised the fighting spirit of her players, revealing that many of them are amateur athletes who had to contend against a more experienced and better-prepared side.
“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 also expressed pride in her players for their determination and 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.”
Elsewhere in the women’s Division One category, Caliphate Spikers survived a stern test from Plateau Rocks to claim a hard-fought 3-2 victory. Caliphate dominated the opening set 25-7, but Plateau Rocks bounced back to win the second set 25-17. Caliphate regained control with a 25-15 third-set victory before Plateau Rocks levelled again after taking the fourth set 25-21. However, Caliphate held their nerve in the deciding set to seal a 15-10 win.
NIS also recorded a straightforward 3-0 victory over Adamawa, winning all three sets 25-0, 25-0, 25-0, while ACE Spikers cruised past Bayelsa 3-0 by identical 25-0 scorelines.
In the men’s Division Two category, Niger Brass swept aside Kuje Spikers 3-0 with set scores of 25-17, 25-22 and 25-21.
Fire Fighters also defeated Plateau Rocks 3-1 after taking the first set 25-22. Plateau Rocks responded with a 25-20 second-set win, but Fire Fighters regained control to claim the next two sets 25-12 and 25-23.
