By Ikenna Nwokedi 

Federal Polytechnic Oko Female Volleyball side known as Team Oko Tigress has emerged champions of the third edition of the annual Inter Tertiary Institutions' Volleyball Championship christened 'Spike It Awka.'

The two-day competition held at the Volleyball court in front of the General Studies (GS) Unit, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) Awka saw UNIZIK as the host alongside Federal Polytechnic Oko, Delta State University (DELSU) Abraka and Enugu State University of Technology (ESUT), Enugu featuring in the event held from Thursday, 12th to Friday, 13th December 2024.

The competition which was facilitated by the Chairman, University Sports Committee and Head, Department of Linguistics, UNIZIK, Dr. Dereck Orji was bankrolled by Chief Chukwuemeka Obielom, President and CEO of Ogidi Nri Foundation.

To emerge Champions in the female category, Team Oko Tigress saw off Team UNIZIK Angels by 2 sets to nil (15-13, 18-16) in the grand finale after seeing off ESUT ladies by 2 sets to nil (15-11, 16-12) in the semi-finals earlier on.

The finals of the male category between UNIZIK Spikers and Team Oko Tigers was inconclusive ending in a stalemate after both sides were tied at one apiece.

Highpoints of the competition was special award presentation as Pillar of Sports Development to the benefactor, Chief Chukwuemeka Obielom and DSP Engr. Onyeka Ndibe as well as an exhibition match between Team UNIZIK Alumni All Stars versus Awka All Stars. The competition also had the presence of the national volleyball coach, Coach John Iwerima in attendance.

Dignitaries who graced the two-day event were Directors of Sports of the four participating institutions, members of the University Sports Committee, top administrators in various fields of endeavour, stakeholders in the game of volleyball, scouts and scholars of various disciplines in the University and beyond