Sports

CGC Volleyball League: VIP & Partners Shock Former Champions CNS Spikers 3-1

Published

4 months ago

June 18, 2026

Joel Ajayi

VIP and Partners Volleyball Club on Thursday recorded one of the biggest upsets of the ongoing Customs Comptroller-General (CGC) Volleyball Premier League in Abuja, defeating former champions CNS Spikers 3-1 in a thrilling women’s encounter.

The highly anticipated clash lived up to expectations, with both teams displaying quality, resilience, and determination throughout the contest.

CNS Spikers made a strong start, taking the opening set 25-21 to underline their status as defending champions. Their sharp attacking play and solid defensive organisation gave them early control of the match.

However, VIP and Partners responded impressively in the second set, showing composure under pressure to edge a fiercely contested battle 26-24 and level the game at 1-1.

The momentum shifted completely after that.

Buoyed by confidence and excellent teamwork, VIP and Partners maintained their intensity in the third set, narrowly claiming a 25-23 victory to move ahead for the first time in the match.

The fourth set was equally intense as CNS Spikers pushed hard to force a deciding set. But VIP and Partners held their nerve at crucial moments, sealing another 25-23 win to complete a remarkable comeback.

The victory sends a strong message to the rest of the field, with VIP and Partners announcing themselves as genuine title contenders.

Speaking after the match, Team Manager, Viper & Partners VC, Samuel Onikeku, praised the team’s performance and development.

“We have a quality team and carefully selected these players because we believe in their talent. With a strong coaching crew and continuous investment, we knew this team could challenge and defeat any opponent,” he said.

Onikeku added that the team’s recent performances, including winning silver medals in previous championships, justified the continued support from sponsors and management.

“We are proud of them and will continue to give them every opportunity to grow and perform at the highest level,” he added.

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Sports

YellowGreens Thrash The Gambia by 160 Runs in Dominant Display

Published

1 day ago

October 21, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Selim Salau’s century and a breathtaking late assault from Isaac Okpe powered Nigeria to a dominant opening victory at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Abuja.

Nigeria’s senior men’s national cricket team, the YellowGreens, made a resounding start to their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C campaign, defeating The Gambia by 160 runs at the NCF Oval 2 in Abuja on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Nigeria produced a formidable total of 262 for one in their allotted 20 overs, setting The Gambia a daunting target of 263 runs.

The innings was anchored by an outstanding century from Selim Salau, who remained unbeaten on 105 off 58 deliveries, striking 12 fours and three sixes. Isaac Danladi provided excellent support with an impressive 86 off 48 balls, including seven fours and four sixes, as the pair laid the foundation for Nigeria’s commanding total.

Isaac Okpe then delivered a sensational finishing assault, smashing an unbeaten 56 off just 16 deliveries, with three fours and six sixes. His remarkable strike rate of 350.00 propelled Nigeria beyond the 260-run mark and put the hosts firmly in control.

The Gambia faced an uphill battle in their chase and were eventually bowled out for 102 in 17.2 overs, handing Nigeria a comprehensive 160-run victory.

The result marked an emphatic opening statement from the YellowGreens as they began their campaign on home soil with an impressive all-round performance.

The victory also provides Nigeria with valuable momentum in a six-team competition featuring hosts Nigeria, The Gambia, Uganda, Zambia, Lesotho and Mozambique. With the teams competing in a round-robin format, the top two sides will progress to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final in 2027.

Nigeria will look to build on this commanding start as the YellowGreens continue their pursuit of one of the two available qualification places, with their next fixture against Zambia scheduled for Wednesday, 21 October, at the NCF Oval 1 in Abuja.

Final Score

Nigeria: 262/1 (20 overs)

The Gambia: 102 all out (17.2 overs)

Result: Nigeria won by 160 runs.

Key Performers

Selim Salau — 105 not out off 58 balls

Isaac Danladi — 86 off 48 balls

Isaac Okpe — 56 not out off 16 balls
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