The captain of UCEM beach volleyball team, Rose Alen told www.aclsports.com that his team travelled for 36 hours to attend the just concluded 2023 Beach Volleyball Tour (2nd phase) in Jalingo, Taraba State.
UCEM of Enugu defeated Nigeria Customs Service 2-1 (13-21, 24-22, 15-13) in their last match to remain unbeaten in the second phase of the Beach Tour.
An elated Rose Alen revealed that it took calculation and determination to turn around the game against Nigeria Customs Service despite the support from the crowd.
Alen said their journey to North East Nigeria is not in vain and have accomplished the first phase of their mission.
The Bayelsa based player said, “The moment we learnt Taraba State will be hosting the second phase of the 2023 Beach Tour, we knew it was going to be a long journey. My pair and I (Promise Abeki) almost got discouraged but decided to use it as an opportunity to visit the North East.
“It took us 36 hours to arrive at Jalingo, Taraba state capital from Yenagoa, Bayelsa state capital. We moved from one end of the country to another end within two days and it was worth the risk. I have heard a lot of nasty things about the North East but I am seeing things differently; they are nice people and I was able to catch up with an ex Taraba United player from the Eastern part of the country.
“Aside from fulfilling one of our bucket lists, coming from a set behind to beat Nigeria Customs Service is an achievement for UCEM. We did not only beat them; we’ll be returning back to Yenagoa unbeaten throughout the second phase.
“When we lost the first set, we had to strategize and cut off Andrew Sunday from the game. I knew Emenike Ezike was the strength of the team and we had to divert all our balls to Andrew which worked for us till the game was won”.
The National Sports Festival Bronze medallist told www.aclsports.com that his side will be more brutal in the final phase.
Nice one my captain (Abeki Promise)
Nice one boys y’all did well