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)