Joel Ajayi
Top volleyball teams from across the country are set to battle for honours as the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) officially kicks off the 2026 Phase One of Division 1 and Division 2 National League Championship at the indoor sports hall of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
The championship, which begins on Saturday in Abuja, with technical meeting will feature teams drawn from different regions of Nigeria, highlighting the growing popularity and competitiveness of volleyball in the country.
Speaking during a press briefing ahead of the tournament, Chairman of the League Management Committee and Vice President of the NVBF, Tanimu Adamu, said the federation was determined to stage a successful competition despite financial and logistical challenges.
Adamu apologised to the volleyball community on behalf of the federation’s president, Musa Nimrod, and members of the board over the delay in commencing the league.
According to him, the federation faced a difficult situation due to a congested international volleyball calendar and funding constraints.
“This is a qualification year with several international competitions lined up, including Olympic qualification events in beach volleyball and the Nations Cup,” he said.
He disclosed that Nigeria would participate in four international championships within the next three months, with competitions scheduled to take place in Nigeria, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire and Kenya.
Adamu noted that postponing the domestic league any further could negatively affect Nigeria’s preparations for international engagements and disrupt player development programmes.
“If we fail to start the league now, it will become a disaster for our volleyball calendar and preparations for international competitions,” he stated.
The NVBF official revealed that 11 teams had registered for Division One, while seven teams would compete in Division Two, with the championship expected to run until June 3 or 4.
He admitted that organising the competition had been difficult due to financial challenges, the withdrawal of sponsors and the death of the federation’s technical referee, Samuel Timothy.
According to Adamu, the federation delayed activities out of respect for the late official until after his burial.
He, however, praised the commitment of the federation’s leadership, noting that the president and board members had personally financed the competition.
“Up till this moment, it is the president and members of the board that are financing this competition. We have not received support from government or sponsors,” he said.
Adamu described the Division One and Two leagues as important platforms for discovering and nurturing young talents, adding that the competition would also help Premier League clubs and national team selectors identify quality players.
He called on sports stakeholders and fans to support the championship and witness the high standard of volleyball being showcased in Abuja.
“Very soon, we may begin charging gate fees because of the level of competition and interest volleyball has generated across the country,” he added
