Nineteen-year-old Nkechinyere Chijoke Queen led the Benin City Eagles to a remarkable comeback victory over the Lagos Spikers to win the National Women’s Volleyball Championship on Saturday in Benin City.
The tense final saw the Eagles trailing 8–11 in the decisive set before Queen, the team captain, inspired her teammates to fight back. Her words, “We’ve come too far to stop now,” sparked a fierce rally that turned the game around. The Eagles eventually sealed a 15–12 win, earning their first-ever national title.
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Queen’s outstanding performance earned her the Player of the Match award and the admiration of fans who packed the arena to witness the thrilling encounter.
Speaking after the match, the 19-year-old captain described the victory as a dream come true. “There were days when I couldn’t afford proper gear or transport,” she said. “But volleyball gave me hope — it made me dream beyond my circumstances.”
Born and raised in a small community near Asaba, Delta State, Queen’s journey to the national stage was marked by financial hardship and determination. She often practiced barefoot on dusty courts using makeshift nets, balancing her training with schoolwork.
“In every match, I remember where I started,” she said. “That keeps me going.”
Queen credited her father’s hard work and her own perseverance for her success. With this championship win, she now dreams of representing Nigeria on the international stage and inspiring young girls to believe in their potential.
“Volleyball saved me,” she said. “It taught me strength, teamwork, and belief.”
From humble beginnings to national glory, Nkechinyere Chijoke Queen’s story stands as a powerful reminder that passion and persistence can turn even the toughest beginnings into golden triumphs
