Team Rivers have started their campaign in the ongoing 43rd Federal Public Service Games taking place in Rivers State on a winning note with victory against Team National Assembly in men’s volleyball.
The game, which was played at the volleyball pitch of the Alfred Diette-Spiff Civic Centre, saw Team Rivers defeating Team NASS 2:0.
Speaking to journalists immediately after the game, Captain of Team Rivers, Prince Ikechukwu Eleanya, said team spirit and understanding helped them secure victory against the NASS Team.
Eleanya said: “Team spirit, oneness and understanding gave us victory. Our service was effective and our target is the gold medal.”
In other matches played on day one, Ministry of Defence defeated Ministry of Interior 2:0; Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy also defeated Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) by 2:0 while Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment won the game with Ministry of Water Resources 2:1; NAPTIP was defected by Ministry of Finance 0:2, and Ministry of Education defeated Ministry of Housing 2:0.
Also, in female’s Hand Ball, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning initially drew Ministry of Special Duties 4:4, however, Ministry of Economic Planning won through penalty shootout.
Also, draws had been concluded in Tennis, basketball and other sports and billed to start on Saturday.
Meanwhile, defending champions in the men’s singles and doubles tennis, Edet Pius, from the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has vowed to retain the gold medal he won at the previous edition of the games.
Pius said: “By the grace of God, I have worked hard and done the necessary sacrifice and I believe I’m good to go to retain my gold, God helping me.”
He praised the state of facilities at the Port Harcourt Club, which is the centre for the tennis events of the games.
“The facilities are one of the best in the country. Six good tennis courts. In fact, I commend the club management for their effort,” Pius stated.
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