Joel Ajayi
The President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Engr. Musa Nimrod, has announced that the federation will host the President’s Super Cup in January 2026, followed by the President’s Beach Cup in February 2026, as part of renewed efforts to reposition volleyball in the country and build momentum for future international engagements.
Nimrod made this known in Abuja at the 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigeria Olympic Committee/ Commonwealth Games Nigeria (NOC/CGN), where stakeholders reviewed Nigeria’s sporting activities and mapped out strategies for sustained growth.
Reflecting on the federation’s journey over the year, the NVBF President admitted that the process has not been without challenges but maintained that tangible progress is already being recorded.
“Challenges will always come and go,” Nimrod said. “What matters is that we are laying a solid foundation. Volleyball in Nigeria is coming back to life, and 2026 will be full of activities.”
He noted that the volleyball development structure had suffered setbacks, particularly between 2020 and 2021, leaving gaps in the development pyramid. According to him, the current board has deliberately embarked on rebuilding the sport through regular competitions, improved organisation, and renewed grassroots engagement.
Nimrod disclosed that the Super Club Championship is expected to take place towards the end of January 2026, while the President’s Club Championship will be hosted in Kaduna in February. He added that the federation’s technical committee and other relevant panels have already commenced preparations to ensure the success of the programmes.
Despite financial and logistical constraints, the NVBF President commended members of the current board for their dedication, describing them as hardworking and focused, and noted that their collective efforts are beginning to yield positive results.
He highlighted recent international success as a major encouragement, citing Nigeria’s female volleyball players, Pamela and Joy, who won a gold medal in Angola, describing the feat as a clear sign of growth and renewed competitiveness in Nigerian volleyball.
Looking ahead, Nimrod said the federation is intensifying preparations for upcoming international engagements, including competitions in Senegal, with the long-term objective of qualifying Nigeria for the Olympic Games.
Beyond elite competition, he stressed that volleyball also serves as a powerful tool for advocacy, physical fitness, and youth development, underscoring the federation’s determination to reintroduce the sport widely in schools and communities.
“Volleyball is not just about competition; it is also an advocacy sport,” he explained. “We are encouraging schools and young people to embrace it. There was a time people paid to watch volleyball in Lagos, and we are determined to bring those days back.”
Nimrod expressed optimism that with sustained commitment, proper planning, and strong stakeholder support, Nigerian volleyball will reclaim its rightful place on both the domestic and international stage.
