This Friday, December 27, 2024, the Futuroscope Arena will vibrate to the rhythm of a highly anticipated derby between Poitiers and Tours. For Earvin Ngapeth, this meeting marks the end of his whirlwind but intense time at Alterna Stade Poitevin Volleyball. After this last match, he will head to Turkey to join Fenerbahçe.
A high-tension derby
“It’s my city’s jersey, obviously it will be something moving,” confides Earvin Ngapeth during training. The Arena Futuroscope room is preparing to accommodate 5,200 spectators, a first for the Poitevin club. This sold-out derby against Tours, considered “the best rival” by manager Cédric Énard, promises to be electric. “We are experiencing an enchanted parenthesis, we don’t want it to end,” he adds.
A record craze
According to France Bleu, since the surprise announcement of his signing, Ngapeth has brought a wind of madness to the Marmara Spike Ligue. Poitiers matches, whether at home or away, have record attendances. “It was beyond what I imagined,” recognizes Énard. The Ngapeth effect, combined with the enthusiasm aroused by the Blues’ Olympic coronation, boosted interest in each meeting.
One last challenge before flying away
This match has a special flavor for Ngapeth. He faces Tours, the club where he made his professional debut. “I really want to leave with a victory,” he says. But the task promises to be complicated, because Poitiers remains on two defeats, while Tours is in great shape. His teammate Franco Massimino remains optimistic: “100% for us. I suffered against him when he was opposite, so playing alongside him is a pleasure. I hope to finish with a victory.”
A family and festive event
For this last meeting, Ngapeth invited his family and loved ones. “There will be an atmosphere, it’s up to us to do the job,” he jokes. François Garreau, president of the club, insists on the unique atmosphere that reigns in Poitiers: “I have heard for 35 years that we have the best public in France, and I verify it every time”.
The evening promises to continue after the match with a concert by S.Pri Noir, friend of Ngapeth. A final gift from the champion to his hometown, before continuing his adventure in other horizons.
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