Nigeria U19 boys volleyball team came from two sets down to beat Cameroon 3-2 (21-25, 23-25, 25-23, 25-14, 15-9) on Thursday at the indoor sport hall in Abuja, Nigeria.
The first set was a tough battle between the two sides, Cameroon took an early lead, with 8-7 lead in the first technical timeout. Nigeria felt the pressure as Cameroon broke away to lead 16-15 at the second technical timeout.
Two successive monster blocks from Nigeria kept them in the set at a critical time when Cameroon were pulling away. Good blocking from both sides prevented major spikes until a couple of errors from Nigeria gave Cameroon the advantage and they ended the set strong 25-21.
Cameroon continue to dominate in the second set, Nigeria nailed two spikes and momentum shifted to the host. The lions struggled and the crowd erupted for every Nigeria point. Nigeria’s spirit moved on but Cameroon led 16-15 at the second technical timeout and fought to win the second set 25-23.
Nigeria took a commanding lead in the third set, leading at 16-13 mid way into the set with two super blocks to kill any Cameroonian spirit that came by. The resistant Cameroon want to come back to the set, however Nigeria nailed it at 25-23.
Nigeria continued the fight in the 4th set with 16-11 at the 2nd technical timeout. The capacity crowds were not to be let down as the host played in a dramatic style to come back in the game as they win 25-14.
It was all to play for in the deciding set. Nigeria led 8-5 and then some errors from Cameroon let Nigeria run away with the set 15-9. The fans loved it. A true comeback from their home team for what must be a certain win. 3-2 it ended.
