Tag: volleyball

Nigeria Customs Service Volleyball Club began their 2025 Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) Super Cup campaign in dominant fashion, recording a straight-sets victory over Life Camp VC at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja yesterday.

In the second match of the competition, Customs imposed themselves early with aggressive serving and solid blocking to take the opening set 25–21, despite a spirited fightback from Life Camp.

The Customs side tightened their grip in the second set, showcasing superior coordination and quick transitions to pull clear at 25–18. Their composure at key moments continued to frustrate Life Camp.

The third set proved more competitive, but Customs maintained their intensity to edge it 25–23, completing a convincing 3–0 win and underlining their status as strong contenders for the Super Cup title.

Earlier in the day, Nigeria Correctional Service (NCS) Volleyball Club also recorded a commanding 3–0 victory over Ajase Ipo of Ilorin in another men’s encounter.

The opening set was fiercely contested, with Ajase Ipo pushing NCS to the limit before the Correctional Service side edged it 28–26 through calm execution at decisive moments.

NCS asserted clear dominance in the second set, improving their defensive organisation and attacking efficiency to claim it 25–17. Ajase Ipo showed renewed fight in the third set, but NCS once again displayed discipline and experience to close it out 25–23, sealing another straight-sets victory.

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In the women’s matches on Day 1 of the Super Cup, COAS Spikers recorded a comfortable 3–0 win over Fire Service. They claimed the sets 25–21, 25–12 and 25–16 to begin their campaign on a strong note.

CNS Spikers also cruised to a 3–0 victory against Excelsior, winning all three sets 25–0, 25–0 and 25–0, after Excelsior were unable to field a complete team.

Meanwhile, Day 2 fixtures of the NVBF Super Cup Tournament hold today in Abuja with Chief of Naval Staff Volleyball team facing Ajase Ipo hoping to make it two straight wins in the first game of the Men’s event. In the other Men’s game, Defender Volleyball team will square up with Nigeria Customs Service. The two games will be played by 2pm and 4pm in that order.

In the Women’s category, Nigeria Customs Service will try Fire Volley ball team for size by 10am while Vipers Volleyball team will trade spikes with Chief of Naval Staff Volleyball team by 12 noon.

A member of the Board of Trustees of Life Camp Volleyball Club, Paul Umoh, has emphasised the urgent need for increased exposure, sponsorship and stronger structural support to boost performance and reposition  of volleyball in Nigeria.

Speaking  at the ongoing 2025 Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) Super Cup in Abuja, where Nigeria Customs Service Volleyball Club defeated Life Camp VC 3–0, Umoh described the current phase of the sport as challenging but filled with enormous potential.

According to him, while the volleyball “family” in Nigeria continues to grow, its full potential can only be realised with the right support systems in place, particularly in the area of funding and sponsorship.

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He identified poor sponsorship as one of the major setbacks confronting the sport, noting that many talented players struggle to fully commit to volleyball due to the lack of financial backing from clubs and corporate organisations.

“With proper sponsorship, clubs will be better positioned to sign players on decent contracts, keep them motivated and create long-term value for both the athletes and the sport,” Umoh stated.

He commended the Nigeria Volleyball Federation for the visible improvements recorded in recent years but stressed that sustained development efforts remain crucial.

Umoh concluded by calling on administrators, corporate bodies and stakeholders to work collectively to make volleyball more attractive, competitive and sustainable in Nigeria.

A historic agreement was signed yesterday, at the headquarters of the African Volleyball Confederation (CAVB) in Rabat, Morocco confirming the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as host of the Men’s African Volleyball Championship scheduled for September 2026.

The formal accord commits both the continental body and the Congolese authorities to delivering one of Africa’s flagship sporting events.

Beyond its ceremonial value, the championship carries major sporting significance, as it will serve as a qualifying tournament for both the 2027 FIVB World Championship and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, raising the stakes for participating nations across the continent.

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The signing ceremony was presided over by CAVB President, Mrs. Bouchra Hajij, alongside the President of the Congo Volleyball Federation (FEVOCO), Christian Matata. Several African volleyball leaders were in attendance, including federation presidents from Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo and Morocco, underscoring the continental importance of the occasion.

Speaking after the signing, Matata highlighted the strong institutional and political backing behind the bid, revealing that the initiative was driven by the highest levels of government in the DRC.

He recalled the successful hosting of the Francophone Games two years ago, which helped the country develop modern sports infrastructure and inspired a policy shift toward hosting major competitions rather than merely participating abroad.

Matata further stressed that the directive to host the championship came directly from the President of the Republic through the Minister of Sports, noting that the 2026 tournament represents a major opportunity for the DRC, given its role as a qualifier for both the World Championship and the Olympic Games.

In her remarks, Mrs. Hajij explained that the choice of the DRC was based on the country’s growing volleyball profile, strong governmental commitment and the promise of passionate fan support.

She emphasized that the agreement reflects CAVB’s broader vision of strengthening cooperation among African nations, promoting good governance and elevating continental competitions to meet international standards while fostering the sustainable development of volleyball across Africa.

The Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) has announced January 31, 2026, as the date for the Nigeria Volleyball Super Cup, marking the official close of the 2025 season and the start of a new volleyball calendar.

NVBF President, Engineer Musa Nimrod, described the Super Cup as a curtain-raiser for a new era under the recently inaugurated federation board.

According to Nimrod, the competition will feature the top three teams from the 2025 Comptroller General of Customs Volleyball Premier League, alongside select Division One teams.

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He revealed that the Super Cup would usher in a packed 2026 calendar, including the President’s Beach Volleyball Cup, newly introduced military and paramilitary championships, and major continental qualifiers.

Nimrod reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to executing all scheduled programmes despite sponsorship challenges, while assuring stakeholders that full details would be communicated before the end of 2025.

Head of Sports at the Nigeria Customs Service, Samuel Onikeku, has applauded the NCS Women’s Volleyball Team after they sealed the 2025 CGC Volleyball Premier League title with three matches to spare.

Onikeku credited deliberate restructuring and the integration of younger players for the team’s unbeaten run and early coronation.

He praised the efforts of coaches, coordinators, and players, noting that this season marked a major leap in their development.

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Despite the early title win, Onikeku emphasized the team’s ambition to excel beyond domestic and regional levels.

He said the long-term project will become even more evident next year as preparations begin for continental competitions.

Day 10 of the 2025 Comptroller General of Customs Volleyball Premier League Final Phase in Abuja delivered another thrilling round of fixtures on yesterday, highlighted by the Nigeria Customs Service women’s team officially defending their league crown with three matches to spare.

Their dominant straight-sets win over Anambra Queens cemented an unassailable lead at the top of the women’s standings, extending their reign as back-to-back champions.

The Customs ladies showed the consistency and precision that have defined their season, brushing aside Anambra Queens 3–0 (25–13, 25–14, 25–21). With perfect synergy in attack and calmness in reception, the champions left no doubt about their superiority as they powered to yet another emphatic victory.

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In the men’s category, Nigeria Customs also made a strong statement, sweeping Sunshine Spikers 3–0 (25–11, 25–18, 25–20) to maintain pressure at the top end of the table. Nigeria Police staged one of the day’s biggest comebacks, overturning a two-set deficit to defeat COAS Spikers 3–2 in a pulsating five-setter (22–25, 20–25, 25–22, 25–23, 15–13).

CNS Spikers continued their late-phase resurgence with a commanding 3–0 victory over NSCDC, while Kano Pillars overpowered Kada Kings in another straight-sets win. Offa VC fell 0–3 to UCEM despite pushing the first set to 28–26, and Nigeria Correctional Service sealed a hard-fought 3–1 win over NAF Rockets.

In other women’s fixtures, COAS Spikers produced a composed performance to beat NAF Rockets 3–0, while Life Camp kept their top-four hopes alive with a clean sweep over Wikki Queens. NSCDC dominated Olalomi Royal Spikers, and Benue Queens maintained their impressive run by defeating Kada Emeralds 3–0.

With two days remaining, the women’s title race has already been settled in favour of the all-conquering Customs side, but the battle for final standings in both categories promises more drama as the final phase enters its decisive stretch.

The final stage of the 2025 Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) National Volleyball Premier League has officially kicked off, with organizers reaffirming their commitment to athlete welfare and the growth of volleyball in Nigeria.

Representing the CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Sports Secretary of Customs,  Samuel Onikeku,  expressed satisfaction with the league’s progress since its inception last year. He noted that 70% of last season’s budget was dedicated directly to players, with even stronger welfare provisions implemented in 2025.

Among the improvements is an increase in team subsidies from ₦300,000 to ₦500,000.

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The prize structure also reflects the league’s ambition: ₦5 million for the champions, ₦3 million for runners-up, and ₦2 million for third place. Individual award winners will receive ₦100,000 each.

Onikeku applauded the Nigerian Volleyball Federation for starting the league early enough to aid international preparations and assured that sponsorship challenges would not come from the CGC’s side.

Declared open on behalf of the Comptroller-General, the final phase promises intense competition as teams battle for supremacy and major rewards.

As the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) prepares for its elective congress today in Abuja, President Engineer Musa Nimrod has called on stakeholders to embrace teamwork and unity regardless of the election outcome.

Speaking yesterday in Abuja at the venue of the ongoing 2025 CGC Volleyball Prier League (first phase), Nimrod commended the steady progress volleyball has recorded in Nigeria and beyond, stressing that elections should not divide but rather strengthen the Federation.

 “People need to understand that elections are about give and take. Whether you win or lose, we must come together and work as a team. That, to me, is what truly matters,” he said.

He noted that leadership goes beyond holding positions, emphasizing that every member has a role to play in shaping the sport’s future. “There’s no real difference between winning and losing—what matters most is our collective commitment to progress,” he added.

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Nimrod also underlined the importance of effective participation, pointing out that the NVBF constitution allows the Federation to appoint individuals into committees to ensure that more people contribute meaningfully. “It’s not just about being elected; it’s about being effective. We need everyone’s input to keep volleyball moving forward,” he said.

Reflecting on the sport’s current trajectory, Nimrod expressed satisfaction with the direction volleyball is heading despite challenges. He highlighted the growing number of passionate and committed individuals involved in governance as a sign of progress.

 “There will always be areas where competition brings issues, but that’s normal in any political or organizational setting. What’s important is that more people are actively engaging in volleyball administration, and that gives me great confidence about the future,” he concluded.

The upcoming NVBF elective congress is expected to set the tone for the next phase of leadership, with stakeholders urged to unite in advancing volleyball at both grassroots and elite levels.

The 2025 CGC Volleyball Premier League (1^st  phase) entered Day 2 yesterday at the Moshood Abiola Stadium Indoor Sports Hall, Abuja, with thrilling encounters across both the men’s and women’s categories.

Following Saturday’s electrifying opener where NSCDC men stunned defending champions CNS Spikers in a five-set thriller, and their women’s side also dominated Anambra Queens, the momentum carried into yesterday with more eye-catching performances.

In the women category, the Civil Defence ladies continued from where they left off on Saturday with another commanding straight-set win. They overpowered Olalomi Queens 25-16, 25-11, 25-14 to underline their strong title credentials.

In another tightly contested battle, COAS Spikers proved stronger in crucial moments to seal a 3-1 (25-17, 25-20, 19-25, 25-19) victory over Life Camp VC, bouncing back impressively after conceding the third set.

Also, the Air Force ladies turned on the style against Wikki Queens, cruising to a 3-0 win (25-18, 25-18, 25-12), showing superior firepower and organization.

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Meanwhile, former champions Nigeria Customs Service displayed class with a straight-sets victory over Benue Queens, winning 25-15, 25-21, 25-9. The Benue girls, who also fell to CNS on Day 1, continue to struggle against the league’s elite.

While, CNS Spikers women compounded Benue Queens’ woes, registering another 3-0 win (25-17, 25-14, 25-13). The defending champions looked sharp across all sets, bouncing back from their shock Day 1 defeat to NSCDC women.

In another affair, the Civil Defence women closed the day in style with a second victory, defeating Anambra Queens 25-20, 25-13, 25-11 to remain unbeaten in the competition.

In the Men’s Category, Nigeria Correctional Service outlast Nigeria Police Force in a dramatic five-set clash. Correctional edged the first set 25-22, but Police fought back to take the next two 26-24 and 25-21. With their backs against the wall, Correctional rallied to level the game 25-18 before clinching the deciding set 17-15 in a thriller.

After shocking CNS Spikers on Day 1, NSCDC men showed no signs of slowing down, sweeping Offa VC in straight sets 25-23, 25-21, 25-21 to record back-to-back wins.

In the day’s most unusual result, COAS Spikers were awarded a 3-0 walkover win against Kada Kings, with the scoreline officially registered as 25-0, 25-0, 25-0.

Nigeria Customs Service recovered from a first-set slip to beat Kano Pillars 3-1 (23-25, 25-12, 25-14, 25-23). Customs’ power game proved too much after their early wobble.

UCEM VC started strong and held their nerve in tight moments to post a 3-1 (25-19, 23-25, 25-23, 25-22) victory over NAF Rockets.

The League Management Committee of Nigeria Volleyball Federation has released the fixtures for the 2024 National Division 1 and 2 Volleyball Leagues (final phase) in Umuahia, Abia State.

Martin Melandi, the Technical Director of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation, recently conducted the draws virtually  which the representatives of the 20 participating clubs in attendance.

The 2024 National Division 1 Volleyball League (final phase) is scheduled to hold between October  10th and 20th  October at the Umuahia Township Stadium in Abia State.

Former National Division 2 Champions, Life Camp VC will take on Sword VC in the first match of Division 1. League toppers, NAF Rockets trade tackles with G-Ranks, Oluyole Spikers battles UCEM of Enugu while former Premier League team, Katsina United will face struggling Safety Spikers.

Defence Spikers begin their title chase facing Caliphate Spikers in the first match of the National Division 2 League. Newcomers, Bayelsa United takes on Delta State. Second place Wikki Spikers engage Jewel Spikers of Gombe while Osun Spikers will face Ajase Ipo.

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Melandi revealed that a technical meeting of coaches, referees, club owners as well as representatives of the League Management Committee will be held on 11th  October.

He added that the Division 1 matches commence immediately after the technical meeting on 11th  October while the Division 2 kicks off on October 12th .

He said: “The final phase of the National Division 1 and 2 Volleyball League is held in conjunction with the Abia State Government. Dr Alex Otti has shown commitment to sports development through his support of sports since he became Governor.

 “A few months ago, Abia State hosted the South East and South-South Volleyball Tournament and this time around, the State Government is hosting the top tier league. We desire Abia State to become the hub of volleyball in the Southern part of Nigeria.”

Day 1 fixtures: Division 1-

Life Camp VC v Sword VC of Makurdi

NAF Rockets v G-RANK

Oluyole Spikers v UCEM of Enugu

Katsina United VC v Safety Spikers

Day 1 fixtures: Division 2-

Caliphate Spikers v Defence Spikers

Bayelsa United VC v Delta Force

Wikki Spikers v Jewel Spikers

Osun Spikers v Ajase Ipo