By Joel Ajayi
The grassroots volleyball tournament known as the FCT Volleyball Challenge, popularly referred to as the Abuja Volleyball Challenge, is set to deliver thrilling action as 53 teams—comprising 32 male and 21 female clubs—clash in the highly anticipated Season 2 of the championship.
The event, scheduled to take place from April 30 to May 4, 2025, will be held at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Package B, and promises to be a showcase of raw talent and intense competition.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja, Commodore James Aliyu Pindar (Rtd), Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) and the FCT Volleyball Caretaker Committee, expressed excitement about the upcoming event, noting that this year’s edition will be a massive upgrade from the inaugural season.
“The aim of these competitions is to foster good and friendly relationships among volleyball players and enthusiasts within the FCT and its environs,” he said. “It also seeks to positively engage youths and identify talented players for development at both national and international levels.”
He added that the tournament also plays a vital role in youth sensitization, security awareness, and national development through sport.
According to Pindar, the 2025 edition will include three competitive categories: U-17, U-21, and Senior Teams—for both male and female players. These categories are designed to form standing FCT volleyball teams capable of representing the region in national and international competitions.
The LOC Chairman also revealed additional events in the FCT Volleyball calendar, including:
‘Catch Them Young’ U-17 FCT Volleyball Challenge – September 1–7, 2025, FCT Beach Volleyball Challenge 2025
Sensitization Seminar for players, referees, and coaches, culminating in a Fundraising Dinner from November 1–7, 2025
Notably, the 2025 tournament will see increased participation from 53 clubsides (32 male and 21 female), with matches played across both the indoor and outdoor courts of the stadium.
Highlighting the benefits for participating teams, Pindar listed: Participation grants for all 53 teams, Trophies for overall winners, Medals and cash prizes for teams finishing 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, Individual awards for outstanding players (six male and six female), MVP T-shirts from the quarterfinal stage onward
Others includes, Certificates of participation for all clubs, Water as well as incentives for teams during matches
With such incentives and planning, the FCT Volleyball Challenge Season 2 promises to be a significant sporting event in Nigeria’s volleyball calendar.
