Volleyball: Crystal Lion prepares for Egba Spikers rematch

After a hard-fought victory in the first leg of an exhibition match against Egba Spikers, the Crystal Lions volleyball team has resumed training at its home ground in Crystal Estate, Durbar Road, Amuwo Odofin.

The male and female teams trained together for a rematch that is set to be held at 3:00pm on May 28 at the team’s home ground in Crystal Estate, along Durbar Road, Amuwo Odofin.

The president of the team, Olaoluwa Seun, who is a social volleyball player, said, “Last month we were in Abeokokuta to play the Egba Spikers volleyball team, and we won.”

“It is so interesting that Egba spikers have not lost any games on their court. We were the first team that broke the Jinx. We went there and won 3-2. It was a fantastic game. They are coming back for a return leg and we are preparing for them because we know they will come well prepared for us as well.”

The president stated that his team would be strengthened when Amy Ferdinand joins. Amy Ferdinand was scouted and he’s representing the country right now. He is playing for the Nigerian volleyball team.

“We will invite him to the competition as well.”

He was scouted when they went for training in Teslim Balogun.

“He is currently the best fast attacker we have in the Nigerian Volleyball senior team.” Mr. Okanlawon Oluwafemi (Ewa), captain of the male team, said the male and female teams are working hard to be victorious on the day. 

“Last month we traveled to Abeokuta to play Egba Spikers. Our female team won 3-0 while the male team won 3-2. It was an interesting game because we had to put in all our best. We are training hard for Egba Spikers because we are expecting a return leg on the 28th of May. We know they will come with full force to play us. We are looking forward to winning on our home court as well.”

Umezinwa Ifeoma (Candy Lawrence), a businesswoman and a social volleyball player, was named captain of the female team. 

She claimed the team had been doing well since she joined 3 years ago. Win or lose, she is a proud member of the team.

“We have a major friendly match coming up. The first leg was hot, and they were not expecting it because they knew us as amateur volleyballers.

“We played against Egba Spikers in Abeokuta, Ogun state. We are currently preparing for the second leg. They told us they were coming back in form. We are certain they are going to get more players.

“Finding ladies who do sports is not easy. The few of us who come out will do our best to be in form and avoid defeat. We need to win them in this return leg because if we lose, it will be shameful.”

The General Secretary of the team, Olisa Idigo, told Amuwo News about the logistical challenges they faced.

“It’s been a logistical challenge prepping the team for a friendly of that nature.

“The first leg had the challenges of arranging logistics and transporting our players down to Abeokuta. We had to take care of the accommodation. We managed to secure a short-let apartment for the team, thanks to the collective effort of some people that contributed towards it.

“We need funds to run and it’s been from the magnanimity of players and members that we’ve been able to come this far.”

He stated, “For the second leg, thankfully we are at home, so logistics won’t be a nightmare like it was for the first leg.

“We have to ensure that our guests have somewhere conducive to stay.He stated that FHA field, 23 Road, Festac Town, is a backup court for the upcoming matchup.”

Akune Chika, vice president of the team, recounted the first leg of the game and described it as a fair match.

“They were shocked. We could see it in their faces after the game. That was the reason they asked for a return leg. They said they are prepared and they will come and give us a taste of our medicine. We are prepared. We’ve been training almost every day and I’m sure we are still going to beat them.”