By Aderonke Ojo
The Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) has flagged off the 2026 Phase One Division One and Division Two National League Championship at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the championship began with a technical meeting and will feature teams from across the country competing for honours.
Speaking at a news briefing ahead of the tournament, Chairman of the League Management Committee (LMC), Tanimu Adamu, said the federation faced financial and logistical challenges in organising the competition.
Adamu, who is also the NVBF Vice-President, apologised on behalf of the federation’s President, Musa Nimrod, and board members over the delay in commencing the league.
According to him, a congested international volleyball calendar and inadequate funding affected preparations for the championship.
“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 said Nigeria would participate in four international tournaments within the next three months, with events scheduled for Nigeria, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire and Kenya.
Adamu said further delay in commencing the domestic league would have disrupted the federation’s calendar and preparations for international competitions.
“If we fail to start the league now, it will become a disaster for our volleyball calendar and preparations for international competitions.
“Eleven teams will compete in Division One, while seven teams will feature in Division Two.”
He added that the championship would commence immediately on Sunday and end on June 4.
Adamu also disclosed that the federation suffered a setback following the death of its technical referee, Samuel Timothy, noting that activities were temporarily suspended in honour of the deceased official.
In spite of the challenges, he commended the commitment of the federation’s leadership, saying the competition was largely being financed by the federation’s president and board members due to lack of government and corporate sponsorship.
“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 Division Two leagues as vital platforms for talent discovery and player development.
He added that the championship would also help Premier League clubs and national team selectors identify quality players.
The LMC chairman called on volleyball enthusiasts and stakeholders to support the competition and witness the standard of play on display 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.
Adamu said the NVBF remained committed to clean sport, adding that it was the first sports federation in Nigeria to begin structured anti-doping awareness campaigns.
He recalled that the federation organised an anti-doping seminar for players during the last Super Cup and said the initiative would continue throughout the current league season.
According to him, anti-doping education remains a fundamental principle of the federation and a compulsory requirement for players at all levels, in line with global best practices.
Adamu said the establishment of a national anti-doping centre in Nigeria had further strengthened the federation’s capacity to uphold integrity in the sport.
He added that player, official and spectator welfare remained top priorities for the championship.
“Accommodation has been arranged within walking distance of the playing venue, while partners are providing feeding and other essential services throughout the competition.
“A fully equipped clinic with doctors and medical equipment is also on standby to handle health needs.
“All aspects of preparation, including security, welfare, medical support and logistics, have been put in place for players, officials and spectators.
“Matches will also be streamed live to allow fans across the country follow the action,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Emmanuel Afonne
