NVBF Begins Division One and Two League Championship in Abuja

NVBF Begins Division One and Two League Championship in Abuja

By Niyi Busari 

The Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) has commenced the 2026 Phase One Division One and Division Two National League Championship at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, despite significant financial and logistical challenges.

The competition officially began with a technical meeting and will feature teams from across the country competing for honours in both divisions.

Speaking during a media briefing ahead of the tournament, Chairman of the League Management Committee (LMC), Tanimu Adamu, acknowledged the difficulties encountered in organising the championship, particularly in relation to funding and scheduling.

Adamu, who also serves as the NVBF Vice-President, apologised on behalf of the federation’s President, Musa Nimrod, and board members for the delay in commencing the league.

According to him, the congested international volleyball calendar, combined with inadequate financial support, affected preparations for the competition.

“This is a qualification year with several international competitions lined up, including Olympic qualification events in beach volleyball and the Nations Cup,” Adamu said.

He disclosed that Nigeria is expected to participate in four international tournaments over the next three months, with competitions scheduled to take place in Nigeria, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire and Kenya.

Adamu noted that any further postponement of the domestic league would have disrupted the federation’s programmes and preparations for international engagements.

“If we fail to start the league now, it will become a disaster for our volleyball calendar and preparations for international competitions,” he said.

A total of 11 teams are competing in Division One, while seven teams will feature in Division Two. The championship, which commenced on Sunday, is expected to conclude on June 4.

The LMC chairman also revealed that the federation recently suffered a setback following the death of technical referee Samuel Timothy, adding that activities were temporarily suspended in honour of the late official.

Despite the challenges, Adamu praised the commitment of the federation’s leadership, stating that the competition is largely being funded by the federation’s president and board members due to the absence of government support 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.

He described the Division One and Division Two leagues as critical platforms for talent discovery and player development, adding that the competition would provide Premier League clubs and national team selectors the opportunity to identify emerging talents.

Adamu urged volleyball stakeholders and fans to support the championship and witness the level of competition 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.

On anti-doping measures, Adamu stated that the NVBF remains committed to promoting clean sport and was the first sports federation in Nigeria to establish structured anti-doping awareness programmes.

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 league season.

According to him, anti-doping education remains a mandatory requirement for players at all levels in line with international best practices.

Adamu also highlighted welfare and safety arrangements for the championship, noting that accommodation had been secured within walking distance of the venue, while medical and security provisions had been fully put in place.

“A fully equipped clinic with doctors and medical equipment is on standby to handle health needs,” he said.

He added that matches would be streamed live to enable volleyball fans across the country to follow the competition.