CGC Volleyball Premier League: Offa Stuns UCEM in Epic Comeback

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso

The 2025 CGC Volleyball Premier League in Abuja reached new heights of intensity over Days 8 and 9, with pulsating five-set thrillers, commanding sweeps, and heavyweight clashes that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

From the men’s court to the women’s battles, the tournament continued to deliver unforgettable spectacles.

On Day 8 in the men’s category, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) outclassed the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) in a hard-fought 3-1 win (25-20, 25-22, 12-25, 29-27). Customs mirrored that result with another four-set triumph over Nigeria Correctional Service (25-17, 25-20, 25-27, 25-23), while the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) bounced back from a shaky start to overpower COAS Spikers 3-1 (20-25, 25-11, 25-21, 25-20).

Police Force (NPF) were ruthless in their straight-sets win against Sunshine Spikers (25-17, 25-15, 25-21). The most dramatic encounter came as Offa stunned UCEM with a nerve-racking 3-2 comeback (27-29, 25-19, 25-22, 14-25, 15-13). Kano Pillars capped off the men’s fixtures with a clean 3-0 sweep over Kada Kings (25-20, 25-20, 25-23).

In the women’s division on Day 8, defending champions Customs thrashed LifeCamp in straight sets (25-12, 25-21, 25-12), while NAF swept Benue (25-20, 25-15, 25-18). COAS Queens proved too strong for Anambra (28-26, 25-14, 25-21), as CNS outclassed Olalomi 3-0 (25-16, 25-15, 25-21). In another fiery duel, NSCDC overpowered Kada 3-1 (25-19, 18-15, 25-9, 25-15).

Day 9 brought even fiercer contests. NSCDC clashed with NPF in the men’s category, producing one of the tournament’s most exhilarating five-setters. Despite starting strong, NSCDC fell 2-3 (25-12, 15-25, 22-25, 25-21, 11-15).

Kano Pillars kept their form with a 3-1 win over UCEM (28-26, 23-25, 25-20, 25-23), while CNS dominated NAF 3-1 (25-22, 21-25, 25-20, 25-19). Customs also proved clinical in their 3-1 victory over COAS (20-25, 23-25, 26-24, 25-17). Correctional Service returned to winning ways, sweeping Sunshine (25-21, 25-19, 26-24), and Kada Kings subdued Offa in four sets (25-23, 23-25, 25-19, 25-16).

The women’s matches were equally enthralling. The NSCDC v NAF showdown lived up to its billing, ending 3-2 in favour of the Civil Defence ladies (23-25, 25-20, 25-16, 23-25, 21-19) after a rollercoaster tie. Customs cruised past COAS (25-17, 25-20, 25-14), while Olalomi rallied from a set down to beat Anambra 3-1 (13-25, 25-9, 26-24, 25-19). CNS were at their most dominant, routing Wikki 3-0 (25-11, 25-5, 25-14). LifeCamp’s clash with Kada was another five-set cracker, with Kada edging a narrow 3-2 victory (25-19, 25-20, 22-25, 19-25, 15-8).