Rhinos, Elephant Set For Explosive Volleyball Final At Amuwo-Odofin Games
By TAYO TAIWO (T.T.) OLUWOLE
THE stage is set for a thrilling volleyball showdown at the ongoing Amuwo-Odofin Games in Lagos, as Rhinos and Elephant secured hard-fought victories in their semi-final encounters to book their spots in the final.
On Sunday, the Rhinos edged Lions in a pulsating three-set clash, winning 15-12, 12-17, 15-13. The match kept spectators on their feet as both teams displayed exceptional athleticism and tactical depth. The Rhinos’ ability to recover from a second-set setback and close out the decisive set showed their growing confidence and teamwork.
In the other semi-final, Elephant battled past Sharks in another intense contest, triumphing 15-12, 13-15, 15-11. Both teams traded powerful serves and clever spikes, but Elephant’s superior coordination and defensive resilience proved decisive in the final moments.
Speaking after the match, Oluwatoyin Ojo, a key player for the Rhinos, hailed the competition as a unifying platform for the community.
“It’s a great tournament that brings everyone together. We’ve worked hard to reach the final, and we’re fully focused on winning the gold medal,” he said.
For Lions’ player Idris Adenuga, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow, especially given his team’s strong record in previous editions.
“We gave it our all but lost to a better side today. It’s painful, but that’s the spirit of sports. The organisers have done well to sustain this event—it keeps the community vibrant,” he remarked.
The Amuwo-Odofin Games, which features eight teams competing across 16 sports disciplines, has grown into a celebrated grassroots sports festival promoting youth development, fitness, and community bonding.
Organisers say the volleyball final between Rhinos and Elephant promises to be one of the highlights of this year’s edition, with both sides eager to etch their names in local sports history. The final match is expected to draw a large crowd of residents, sports enthusiasts, and community leaders.
As anticipation builds, the question on everyone’s mind is clear: Will the Rhinos’ power play prevail, or will Elephant’s balance and experience carry the day?
