By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Uyo
The volleyball courts at the ongoing Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF) in Uyo witnessed intense drama and surprise victories on Saturday as teams battled fiercely for dominance in both the male and female categories.
In the male division, Edo State were stunned by a resurgent Rivers side who swept the game in straight sets. Ondo displayed impressive form by defeating Imo 2-0, while Abia continued their charge with a commanding 2-0 win over Cross River. One of the closest contests came in the Delta vs. Bayelsa match, with Bayelsa edging out their opponents. Akwa Ibom, however, bounced back with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Rivers in a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
“I’m proud of how we fought back after dropping the first set,” said a member of the Akwa Ibom team after their win. “We’re focused on taking this momentum into our next game.”
The female matches were equally captivating. Imo clawed past Abia in a tight 2-1 contest, while Bayelsa stunned Edo in straight sets. Rivers continued their fine form, overpowering Delta 2-0. Hosts Akwa Ibom thrilled home fans with a 2-0 win over Ondo, and Cross River capped the day’s events by edging Abia 2-1 in a spirited encounter.
“The energy from the crowd gave us the extra push we needed,” said one of the Cross River female players. “It’s not just about winning — it’s about representing our state with pride.”
With the group stages heating up and elimination rounds approaching, volleyball fans are in for an action-packed day. The stakes are higher, and the battle for medals is officially on.