Ares Spikers announced their intent at the Edison Volleyball Foundation/Academy and Akwa Ibom State Volleyball Association End-of-Year 4-Aside Challenge, battling back to secure a hard-earned 2–1 victory over Clinton Spikers on Thursday, December 18, 2025.
The encounter, played at the Volleyball Court of the West Itam Sports Center, delivered high-quality action from start to finish. Clinton Spikers drew first blood after edging a tense opening set 27–25, capitalising on key moments in a fiercely contested contest.
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Refusing to be rattled, Ares Spikers responded with renewed energy and sharper coordination in the second set, clinching it by the same 27–25 margin to level the match and force a decider.
With momentum firmly on their side, Ares Spikers showed superior composure and teamwork in the third and final set, pulling clear to record a 15–10 win and claim their first victory of the tournament.
The End-of-Year 4-Aside Challenge, organised by Edidiong Isong, Coach of the Akwa Ibom State Volleyball Team, under the auspices of the Edison Volleyball Foundation/Academy, features eleven teams split across two groups.
Group A comprises Jay Justus, Ares Spikers, Clinton Spikers, Vemon Spikers and Team Blessed, while Group B includes Team Dr Paul Umoh, Team Arc. Emilia, Kings Knights Spikers, Team Dr Emem Udofia, Team Dr Williams Ebi and Team Tribalism.
Scheduled to run from December 18 to 21, 2025, the tournament is aimed at fostering competition, unity and entertainment among players, coaches and volleyball enthusiasts as the year draws to a close.
The competition also aligns with the sports development drive of Akwa Ibom State Governor, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, under the ARISE Agenda, as implemented by the Honourable Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey.
Action continues throughout the week at the West Itam Sports Center, with teams expected to battle fiercely for honours in what promises to be an exciting and highly competitive volleyball showcase.
