NVBF Kicks Off 2026 National Volleyball League Amid Funding Challenges
Oru Leonard
The Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) has officially flagged off the 2026 Phase One Division One and Division Two National Volleyball League Championship at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
The championship, which commenced with a technical meeting on Saturday, will feature teams from across the country in a highly competitive tournament aimed at promoting excellence, talent discovery, and the continued growth of volleyball in Nigeria.
Speaking during a press briefing ahead of the tournament, Chairman of the League Management Committee (LMC) and Vice President of the NVBF, Mr. Tanimu Adamu acknowledged the financial and logistical difficulties encountered in organising the competition.
Adamu, speaking on behalf of the President of the Federation, Engr. Musa Nimrod and members of the board apologised for the delay in commencing the league, attributing it to a congested international volleyball calendar and inadequate funding.
According to him, Nigeria is preparing to participate in several international competitions within the next three months, including Olympic qualification events in beach volleyball and the Nations Cup, with tournaments scheduled to take place in Nigeria, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and Kenya.
“This is a qualification year with several important international engagements ahead. Delaying the domestic league any further would have negatively affected our preparations and disrupted the federation’s calendar,” Adamu said.
He disclosed that 11 teams would compete in Division One, while seven teams would battle for honours in Division Two.
The championship is scheduled to begin fully on Sunday and run until 4th June.
The LMC Chairman also revealed that the federation suffered a major setback following the death of its technical referee, Samuel Timothy, adding that activities were temporarily suspended in honour of the late official
Despite the challenges, Adamu commended the commitment and sacrifice of the federation’s leadership, noting that the competition is currently being financed largely through the efforts of the federation’s president and board members due to the absence of 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 any sponsors,” he stated.
He described the Division One and Division Two leagues as critical platforms for talent identification and player development, stressing that the competition would provide opportunities for Premier League clubs and national team selectors to scout outstanding players.
Adamu also called on volleyball enthusiasts, stakeholders, and sports lovers to support the championship and witness the high level of volleyball being showcased in Abuja.
“Very soon, we may begin charging gate fees because of the level of competition and growing interest volleyball has generated across the country,” he added.
The NVBF reaffirmed its commitment to clean sport and anti-doping education, noting that it remains the first federation in Nigeria to introduce structured anti-doping awareness initiatives.
Adamu recalled that during the last Super Cup, the federation organised an anti-doping seminar for players across all divisions and assured that the initiative would continue throughout the current league season.
He described anti-doping education as a core principle of the federation and a mandatory requirement for athletes competing at all levels, in line with international best practices.
According to him, the establishment of a national anti-doping centre in Nigeria has further strengthened the federation’s capacity to uphold integrity and fairness in the sport.
On welfare and security arrangements, Adamu assured participants and spectators that adequate measures had been put in place to ensure a safe and conducive environment throughout the championship.
He noted that accommodation for participating teams had been arranged within walking distance of the competition venue, while partners are providing feeding and other essential support services.
“A fully equipped clinic with doctors and medical equipment is on standby to address any health-related needs, while the Moshood Abiola National Stadium’s dedicated security structure, including police personnel, will guarantee safety throughout the event,” he said.
He added that all logistics, medical support, welfare, and security arrangements had been carefully coordinated to ensure a successful championship, while matches would also be streamed live to enable fans across the country to follow the action.
(NSC MEDIA)
