Championships
By Aderonke Ojo
Abuja, Dec.14,2025 ( NAN) Musa Nimrod, the President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), has announced plans to introduce separate Military Armed Forces Volleyball Championship and Paramilitary Volleyball Championship as part of its expanded 2026 volleyball calendar.
Nimrod said this on Sunday in Abuja, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
“The introduction of two distinct competitions for uniformed services is a major highlight of the 2026 calendar; it is a new initiative in the NVBF,” he said
According to him, the introduction of distinct championships for the military and paramilitary formations reflects the Federation’s commitment to inclusiveness, structured development, and competitive balance within the sport.
“From next year (2026), the Military Armed Forces will have their own volleyball championship, and the Paramilitary organisations will also have their own separate competition as a stand alone competition.
“Both representatives have been duly informed,” he said.
He explained that the new championships would provide a dedicated platform for teams within the military and paramilitary institutions to compete.
“This will also help to develop talents, and contribute more effectively to national volleyball growth,” he said.
He said the federation operated a robust league structure comprising the Premier League, Division One, and Division Two, with the Division One and Division Two leagues already concluded for the 2025 season in Abia State.
He explained that the Premier League, which served as the final competition of the year, officially brought the 2025 NVBF volleyball season to an end.
“On Dec. 13, we recently concluded the 2025 Comptroller-General of Customs Premier League final phase in Abuja.
“This marks the official end of the Federation’s volleyball activities for the 2025 season while setting the stage for a new era under the newly inaugurated board,” he said.
“Nigerian volleyball continues to grow across all levels and as we enter 2026, which marks a new dispensation for the federation, we are beginning in earnest with our programme.
“From January 2026, we will be back with the Nigeria Volleyball Super Cup, scheduled for Jan. 31, 2026, followed by the President’s Beach Volleyball Cup in Kaduna,” he said.
Nimrod said that the competitions would take place before the commencement of other activities.
“He emphasised that 2026 would be a busy year for Nigerian volleyball, featuring the African Club Championship and National Cup.
“Others are Nations Cup, African Games qualifiers, and other international engagements.
“All our programmes will go ahead with or without sponsorship,” he said.
He further commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its continued support of volleyball development and appealed for continued partnership, particularly towards hosting future continental events.
Nimrod also commended teams, officials, sponsors, and stakeholders—both local and international, for their cooperation throughout the year.
He assured them that official communication and invitations for 2026 programmes would be circulated before the end of 2025. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
STJ/EMAF
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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne