The 2019 Nigeria Volleyball Premier League served off in Abuja on Sunday with the Nigeria Immigration Service recovering from going a set down to defeat and the Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) 3-1 (17-25, 25-22, 25-22, 25-16) in the men’s pool.

Speaking after the victory, head coach of Nigeria Immigration Service, Ibrahim Magani said his team’s recovery to beat their bogey team was a clear pointer to their readiness to compete in the second phase of the volleyball league.

“I told Nigerians on Saturday that the Nigeria Immigration volleyball teams are ready for other teams in this league; our director has motivated the players,” Magani said.

“It was a battle because NSDCD never believed we could beat them, they have been in camp for long but we were more determined. They have been defeating us for long but we took the bull by the horn this time around.”

Head coach of NSCDC men’s volleyball team, Samuel Ajayi conceded that his team lost to better opponents.

“Immediately the Libero got injured, the side players tried adjusting because the general was out. They played well and the good team won. The Immigration team was better than us that is why they took the day.”

There were also 3-0 victories for Nigeria Police Force and Nigeria Customs over UCEM and COAS Spikers respectively while NSCDC also earned a straight sets victory over Kada Emeralds in the women’s category.

2019 Nigeria Volleyball Premier League Day 1 Results

Nigeria Customs Service 3-2 Kano Pillars (25-21, 25-27, 26-28, 25-19, 15-11)

Nigeria Police Force 3-0 UCEM (25-17, 25-14, 25-18)

Nigeria Immigration Service 3-1 NSCDC (17-25, 25-22, 25-22, 25-16)

NSCDC Women  3-0 Kada Emeralds (25-10, 25-18, 25-21)

Nigeria Customs 3-0 COAS Spikers (25-20, 26-24, 25-17)

NIS  3-1 Benue Queens (25-21, 25-27, 25-16, 25-16)