ATBU and TASUED women’s teams in action during the beach volleyball event at the 27th NUGA Games in Jos
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) women’s team on Wednesday defeated Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) 2–0 in one of the group-stage fixtures of the beach volleyball event at the ongoing 27th NUGA Games in Jos.
The victory strengthens ATBU’s chances of reaching the semi-finals in their debut NUGA appearance. Team captain Jessica John praised her teammates’ effort after the win, saying teamwork and determination made the difference. “We played well, even though I was not at my best. We are aiming for either gold or silver. The only strong side I’ve seen so far is Taraba State University — their players are experienced,” she said.
TASUED captain Ikem Gift admitted that nerves affected her side’s performance. “We were tense at the start, but we fought as hard as we could. It is our first time in NUGA, and we will come back stronger on subsequent matches,” she said.
Referee Coach Abdulrahman Izon told Campulse News that 22 university teams — 12 male and 10 female — are competing in the group stage. To accommodate the tight schedule, each match is being played in a best-of-three sets format, with sets capped at 15 points instead of the standard 21. “We reduced the scoring so that all group-stage matches can be completed before the semi-finals,” he explained.
Sports administrator Sule Abdulramid commended the University of Jos for its international-standard beach facility but criticised some lapses in equipment and logistics. “The net and balls were borrowed, and there are no antennas, which are required by volleyball rules. The beach itself is fine, but the organisation could be better,” he said.
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