Kaduna state beat Ogun state 3-2 (25-21, 24-26, 25-23, 17-25, 15-13) to win gold in the men’s volleyball event at the 2022 National Sports Festival in Delta State on Friday.
Kaduna state produced an outstanding performance against Ogun state who were unbeaten till the final match.
Kaduna surprisingly took the first set by 25 to 21 points in a set that saw the Ogun players struggle to get their rhythm. The second set produced a spectacular display from both sides as Ogun won by 26 to 24 points.
The young Kaduna players held Ogun state ransom in the third set 25 to 23 points before Ogun came back from behind to win the fourth set by 25-17. Kaduna finally cruised to victory in the fifth set winning by 15 to 13 points.
The Coach of Kaduna men’s team, Adamu Nitte expressed delight over the win against highly rated Ogun state.
Nitte revealed that most pundits did not give Kaduna state the chance of winning the finals adding that the Ogun team crushed all their opponents before entering into the finals.
He said 10 players out of the squad are making their debut at the National Sports Festival.
He said, “I am overwhelmed and cannot express myself because I am overfilled with joy. Kaduna was not the favourite to win the National Sports Festival but God is our strength and fortress.
“Ogun state is a very good side looking at their statistics but my boys did not respect them. 10 of my players are playing the National Sports Festival for the first time and this win will further boost their profile”.
He commended the Chairman of Kaduna State Volleyball Association, Engineer Musa Nimrod for believing in the team.
Meanwhile, Rivers State beat Kano state to win the men’s bronze at the 2022 National Sports Festival.
