News
NVBF: Govt. Support Critical For Volleyball Growth — Azi
By Aderonke Ojo
Ben Azi, Head Coach of De Friends Spikers Volleyball Club of Abuja, has called for increased government support and investment in volleyball development in the country.
Azi stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
He expressed confidence that several emerging teams would make strong impressions in the ongoing Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) 2026 Phase One Division One National League in Abuja.
“De Friends Spikers are not participating in the Division One or Division Two leagues this season, preparations were ongoing to compete strongly in future editions.
“My main team is not in Division One or Two of the ongoing league, but hopefully by next season we will be one of the teams to watch,” he said.
Azi said some players from his club were currently featuring for other teams participating in the competition.
“For now, I am supporting a few teams, not because of anything, but because they are my people and because of the quality they are bringing to the tournament.
“I am particularly impressed with the level of preparation and quality displayed by some emerging Division One volleyball teams.
“Especially Light Spikers Volleyball Club of Abuja, Rhino Volleyball Club of Jos in the men’s category and NY Spikers, Queen Amina Team (QAT) Volleyball Club in the women’s category.
“In fact, Light Spikers Volleyball Club were in camp before they were disbanded, and they were called back when the new date was announced,” he said.
The coach expressed confidence that Light Spikers Volleyball Club could secure promotion to the Premier League hopefully this season.
Azi added that his team had remained active for five to six years and participated in all editions of the FCT Abuja Challenge volleyball championship and the club’s men’s team finished fourth in the first two participation.
Speaking on the development of volleyball in Nigeria, Azi identified inadequate funding as a major challenge affecting the growth of the sport.
“The first encouragement is that government should have a good budget for volleyball and sports generally in the country.
“What I see is that the concentration is more on football, but other sports are growing.
“The youth are making efforts to create a name for the country, and if the country does not encourage them, their performance will be limited,” he said.
Azi lamented the growing trend of young players seeking opportunities abroad due to better financial rewards.
Adding that restrictions preventing players from playing two seasons simultaneously often stop them from returning to compete in local leagues.
He argued that improved welfare and support structures would help Nigeria retain and develop more volleyball talents domestically.
The coach also identified Queen Amina Team (QAT) Volleyball Club as one of the promising sides in the women’s category.
He said that the team had been preparing players since 2025 for Division one competition.
He further praised NY Spikers Men’s Division One for expanding by registering a female team, while highlighting Rhino Volleyball Club of Jos as another side with strong potential.
According to him, Rhino Volleyball Club, which gained promotion from Division Two in 2025, possesses young and committed players capable of reaching the Premier League.
“They have young and committed players who gained promotion from Division Two last year. They are one of the teams that could make it to the Premier League,” he said.
The NVBF 2026 Phase One Division One National League began on May 23 and will end on June 5 at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Joseph Edeh
Jos is set to come alive in Arsenal colours as fans across Plateau State prepare for the much-anticipated Jos Arsenal Victory Parade, UEFA Champions League Watch Party, and Arsenal Awards Night in what promises to be one of the biggest fan gatherings in the city.
The event, described as the ultimate Gooners’ link-up, will bring together Arsenal supporters from across the state for an evening packed with celebration, entertainment, and football passion — with free entry for everyone.
Activities kick off on Saturday, May 30, with the Victory Parade scheduled to begin at 3:00 PM sharp from Terminus, by Zenith Bank, as fans are expected to flood the streets in Arsenal jerseys to celebrate in style.
The celebration will then move to Tamarald Event Centre (Outdoor), off Old Airport Junction, from 4:00 PM, where guests will enjoy an exciting lineup of activities.
Organisers have promised premium entertainment featuring free party jollof for the first 50 attendees, sizzling barbecue, music performances, comedy, dance showcases, special Arsenal awards presentations, and the official launch of a brand-new Arsenal-themed song.
Supporters are simply encouraged to show up in their Arsenal jerseys and be part of the unforgettable experience.
The event is supported by Areo Global Services, Malangwa Media Empire, Nugroove Multimedia, Grace Dimensions Ministries, Dabels Cakes and Catering, Jos Metro Foods, Da Zone Concepts, Joe B Entertainment, Royal K.O.C, and the Gunners Rhythm Gang.
For enquiries, support, and table reservations, interested participants can contact:
07031001105
08126007839
For Jos Gooners, this is more than an event — it is a celebration of football, community, and Arsenal pride.
Super Eagles’ coach, Eric Sekou Chelle has hinted that he will unleash another ‘surprise package’ on his team’s next opponent at this year’s ongoing Unity Cup in London, Sports247 reports.
Speaking against the backdrop of Tuesday’s 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe in the competition’s opening match at Charlton Athletic FC’s home ground, The Valley, Chelle said he was impressed with what his array of rookies were able to achieve against The Warriors.
While not singling out any of the lads for particular mention, the Franco-Malian tactician admitted he was surprised by the team’s performance, considering that most of the lads were playing together for the first time.
The former coach of Mali’s national team and MC Oran football club of Algeria further hinted that many of those who featured in Tuesday’s game justified their inclusion in the list of invitees and showed that they can even be counted on to feature in the main Nigerian squad.
With his eyes now fully set on Saturday’s final at the same venue, Chelle inferred that he may not roll out the same starting 11, considering that some of Nigeria’s Grade-A players are also in camp and were rested for the opening game in order to give the rookies their own opportunities to shine.
However, Chelle noted further that there’s a strong likelihood of the next clash being against perennial Unity Cup rivals, Jamaica, who dragged the Eagles into penalties’ shootout before Nigeria could win last year’s final at Brentford’s BTech Stadium also in London.
With that in mind, the gaffer is already thinking of tinkering his squad list for the final but, while keeping hid plans close to his chest, Chelle stressed that the enthusiasm of all the lads in camp has made it possible for him to roll out tactical surprises at will.
Chelle said, “I was truly surprised by the performance of the players against Zimbabwe. I was surprised, because they played as if they had been together for six months or one year.
“In reality, it was the first time, but they showed that we can always make surprises happen in the Unity Cup. We are now looking at the next opponent in the final.”
Sports247 gathered that there is a strong possibility that Wilfred Oyinyen Ndidi will captain the squad on Saturday, while Moses Simon and Jerome Akor Adams line out alongside new rave of the moment, Femi Azeez, in attack.
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