Nigeria’s female Customs Service Team and Ghana Male Police team yesterday emerged champions of the Zone 3 Africa Volleyball Championship held at the indoor hall of the University of Lagos, Nigeria, held Bestchoicesports.com.ng can report.

Ghana Police beat Nigeria Customs Service 3-0 (25-22, 25-19, 25-17) in the male final match for the second consecutive time since the revival of the championship.

In the third place match, Nigeria Police defeated Nigeria Immigration 3-0 (25-20, 25-21, 27-25)

Ghana Police defeated all her opponents by 3-0, this coach Elisha Ayiku described as sign that his team is ready for the Africa Club Championships.

Nigeria Customs started on a high note but Ghana police came from behind to win the first set. Despite the crowd being in support of the home team, Ghana Police dictated the pace of the game in the second and third sets.

The head coach of Ghana Police, Elisha Ayiku said, “I am excited beating Nigeria for the second time on her home soil. If I meet the Nigeria team 20 times, I will beat them 20 times.

“The Ghana Police team has been getting the support of the Commissioner of Police. We hope to continue with our form on the African continent”.

Ayiku told newsmen in Lagos that most of the players in the Police team dominate the Ghanaian National Volleyball team.

He said, “The next assignment for most of my players is to qualify for the All African Game. We will be back in Nigeria to cement our participation at the games in Morocco.

In the women’s category, Nigeria Customs beat Nigeria Immigration Service 3-0 (25-11, 25-21, 28-26). In the third place game, Nigeria Army beat Kada Emeralds, 3-1 (2-25, 25-17, 25-12, 25-17)  

The head coach of Nigeria Customs Service, Femi Akanni said, “This success recorded here would not have been possible without the support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd). Since his arrival, the teams have experienced maximum support.

“I want to commend the girls for also playing to instructions against the much experienced Nigeria Immigrations”, he added.  

Meanwhile, the President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Engineer Musa Nimrod thanked Zone 3 volleyball executives for allowing Nigeria host the championship for the second time in a row.

He said the championship is steadily developing volleyball in the West Africa region.

Nimrod said, “Since the return of the Zone 3 championships, the level of competitiveness among clubs in the region has improved drastically. In some years to come West Africa will be a force to reckon with by the grace of God”.

He commended the media for promoting volleyball in Nigeria.

By Kuti Dare