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)
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s performance in office, telling Ekiti voters that the governor came into leadership fully prepared to serve the people.
Speaking ahead of the June 20 governorship election, Tinubu urged residents to re-elect Oyebanji for a second term.
The endorsement came on Tuesday at the All Progressives Congress mega rally in Ado-Ekiti. The venue was packed with party faithful, allies from other political groups, and supporters across religious and ethnic lines, all showing solidarity with Oyebanji’s re-election bid.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu praised Ekiti citizens for their loyalty to the APC over the years.
He described the state as fortunate to have Oyebanji at the helm of affairs, noting that the governor’s actions and policies prove that true leadership is about serving people, not oppressing them or undermining their rights.
Tinubu highlighted Oyebanji’s humility, patience, and respect for traditional rulers and past leaders, pointing out the absence of opposition posters across the state as a sign of Oyebanji’s wide acceptance.
“On Saturday, go out and re-elect this humble and peaceful man to further serve you better,” Shettima said on Tinubu’s behalf. The President then symbolically handed Oyebanji over to former governors and first ladies, urging them to secure victory for him.
Chairman of the APC National Campaign Council and Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, described Oyebanji’s popularity as electrifying.
Chairman of the APC Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, said the party’s visibility in Ekiti was unmatched. He noted that only the APC had campaigned market to market and house to house.
APC National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwadta, insisted the party’s confidence was rooted in Oyebanji’s connection to the people, not just in being the ruling party.
A visibly elated Governor Oyebanji, joined by his wife Dr Olayemi Oyebanji and Deputy Monisade Afuye, said he was not relying on federal might but on his record and the promises he kept since 2022.
He appealed for a peaceful election and promised that his second term would surpass the achievements of the last three and a half years.
Scottish Premiership club Aberdeen have secured the permanent signing of London-born Nigerian striker Toyosi Olusanya, with the forward committing his future to the club on a two-year contract after an impressive loan spell.
Sports247 reports that the 28-year-old joins the Dons as a free agent following the expiration of his contract with Major League Soccer side Houston Dynamo. His arrival marks another key addition to manager Stephen Robinson’s rebuilding project ahead of the new season.
Olusanya spent the second half of the previous campaign on loan at Aberdeen, where he quickly adapted to life in Scottish football.
During his stint, he made 18 appearances across all competitions and contributed three goal involvements, earning the confidence of the coaching staff and convincing the club to pursue a permanent deal.
The striker’s work rate, physical presence, and attacking versatility made him a valuable option during his loan spell, and Aberdeen will be hoping he can build on that foundation as they prepare for the challenges of the upcoming Premiership campaign.
His signing represents the fifth addition to Robinson’s squad during the summer transfer window as the club continues to strengthen its roster with an eye on domestic success and improved performances across all competitions.
Born in London and eligible to represent Nigeria, Olusanya has enjoyed a career spanning English football and Major League Soccer before making the move north of the border.
The permanent transfer offers him the opportunity to continue his development in a familiar environment after settling into the team during his loan period.
For Aberdeen, retaining a player who already understands the club’s style and expectations provides continuity as they reshape the squad for the new season.
Supporters will be eager to see the Nigerian forward translate his promising displays into consistent goals and assists over the course of the campaign.
With his future now secured at Pittodrie, Olusanya begins the next chapter of his career aiming to establish himself as a key figure in Aberdeen’s attack and help the club compete strongly in the Scottish Premiership.