Offa Volleyball Club and Chief of Naval Staff have emerged champions of the 20223 Nigeria Volleyball Premier League in the men’s and women’s categories respectively.

Offa VC beat Nigeria Security And Civil Defense (NSCDC) 3-1 (25-18, 22-25, 25-19, 25-17) in their match on the final day in a keenly contested men’s match while CNS female team came from behind to beat Nigeria Security And Civil Defense NSCDC team 3-1 (18-25, 25-19, 25-18, 25-17) in final league match played at the indoor hall of Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

Earlier in the third position, the COAS Spiker Female team claimed 3rd position after beating Kwara United 3-0 (25-7, 25-8, 25-21) in the final Phase of Nigeria Volleyball Premier League on Saturday in Abuja.

CNS Spikers won the 2022 National Division 1 Volleyball League unbeaten and have been crowned champions of the 2023 Nigeria Volleyball Premier League.

Speaking after the match, the coordinator of CNS Spikers volleyball team, Commodore Mohammed Muye expressed delight in the victory of the team in her first attempt at the premier league title.

Commodore Muye revealed that CNS Spikers had the intention of shocking premier league teams immediately they qualified from the National Division 1 Volleyball League.

He said, "The team came from the National Division 1 Volleyball League to win the 2023 Nigeria Volleyball Premier League and I am happy our dream became a reality; the girls did it.

"We are grateful to the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla for his support  for the team, he is the brain behind this success.

"Now that CNS Spikers women's team have won the league,  we have the ticket to represent the country at the continental championship next year," he said 
 
Meanwhile, the Patron of CNS Spikers, Commodore Aliyu Pindar (RTD) commended the players for their relentless spirit and coming from a set down to win.

Pindar said, "It gives me great joy that a club less than three years have emerged champions of the women's volleyball premier league. If you look at the crop of players paraded by CNS Spikers, they are young players who have trained together.

"I want to commend the Chief of Naval Staff for supporting the teams. The world should watch out for the men's team as they play in next year's Nigeria Volleyball Premier League".

After the back to back victory, the head Coach of Offa Volleyball Club, Suleiman Ajeigbe dedicated the trophy to the members of the Offa community in Kwara State for their total support and the good people in the Harmony State.

He applauded the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his support in ensuring the team remains in the topflight league.

Ajeigbe appealed to philanthropists in the state as well as private organisations to support the club ahead of next year's African Club Championship.

#NVBF
#CNS
#OffaOVC

COAS Spikers started their campaign on a bright beating defending champions, Offa VC 3-2 (30-32, 25-16, 25-22, 23-25, 15-10) in the men’s category on day one of the 2023 Nigeria Volleyball Premier League in Abuja on Friday.

Offa VC took the first set of the encounter 32 to 30 points after playing for over 1 hour at the Moshood Abiola stadium. COAS came back into the game strong taking the second and third set; 25-16, 25-22. 

The defending champions, Offa did not waste time to take the fourth set despite the threats from the COAS Spikers 25-23. Coach Elishama Elam made some tactical changes in the fifth set as COAS outshone Offa VC 15 to 10 points.

In another interesting men’s match, second place NSCDC beat Nigeria Police Force 3-2 (16-25, 25-22, 25-14, 21-25, 15-11), a match played for 2 hours 55 minutes. Police won the first and fourth set with NSCDC taking the remaining three sets in style.

Kada Kings were in seventh heaven as they pummeled experienced Nigeria Immigrations 3-0 (25-18, 25-21, 27-25). The youthful Kada Kings showed Nigeria Immigration no respect in all three sets bombarding them with spikes and droppings. Sunshine Spikers of Akure walked over Spartan Spikers of Yola 3-0 (25-0, 25-0, 25-0).

Meanwhile, Anambra Queens survived the scare of Nigeria Immigrations Service in the women’s match. Queens beat Immigrations 3-2 (23-25, 25-23, 22-25, 25-22, 18-16) in an exciting encounter. 

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Spikers wasted no time in dispatching Life Camp VC 3-0 (25-13, 25-16, 25-22) while league toppers, NSCDC beat COAS Spikers 3-0 (25-16, 25-21, 25-15)   
  
 
Day 1 Men’s result

NSCDC v Nigeria Police 3-2 (16-25, 25-22, 25-14, 21-25, 15-11)
Nigeria Immigrations Service v Kada Kings 0-3 (18-25, 21-25, 25-27)
Offa VC v COAS Spikers 2-3 (32-30, 16-25, 22-25, 25-23, 10-15)
Sunshine Spikers v Spartans Spikers 3-0 (25-0, 25-0, 25-0)
 
Women
Nigeria Immigrations Service v Anambra Queens 2-3 (25-23, 23-25, 25-22, 20-25, 16-18)
Life Camp VC v CNS Spikers 0-3 (13-25, 16-25, 22-25)
COAS Spikers v NSCDC 0-3 (16-25, 21-25, 15-25)

….. to depart on Sunday 

The pair of Esther Mbah and Naomi Yaro will represent Nigeria at the 2023 FIVB U21 World Beach Volleyball Championship in Thailand.

The Nigeria U21 Beach Volleyball team led by coach Christiana Amadi will depart the country on Sunday (November 5) via Ethiopian Airlines.

The FIVB World championship is scheduled from 8th to 13th November at the Beach Event Roi Et, Thailand.

The coach of Nigeria U21 Beach volleyball team, Christiana Amadi expressed optimism that the players would perform well at the championship.

Amadi said the fitness level of the players is high following the one month camp and their participation at the just concluded 2023 National Beach Tour in Jalingo, Taraba State.

She said, "I have confidence in the girls because they have shown courage, determination and zeal in every championship they attended. If you watched the last CAVB U21 championship in Casablanca, you will discover the girls put in their very best from the start of the tournament till the final.

"The players were in camp for a month under the tutelage of the head coach, John Iwerima before proceeding to the beach tour in Jalingo, Taraba state. They played against an experienced G-Ranks and were able to defeat them. The tour served as part of their training tour before the Championship".

She extended gratitude to the board members of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation for ensuring Nigeria did not miss another World Championship.

Amadi said, "I want to thank the Nigeria Volleyball Federation led by Engineer Musa Nimrod for ensuring the country features in the World Championship. I believe we will give a good account of ourselves and make a statement at the World Championship.

"We missed the last edition of the championship due to the outbreak of the Omicron virus but This time we are going back there and we are going to show the world what we are made of,” he added

Nigeria women qualified for the championship after placing second position at the 2023 CAVB U21 Beach Volleyball Championship in Morocco in September.

Commodore James Aliyu Pindar is a sports enthusiast with particular love and  strong passion for volleyball. He is the Coordinator of the Chief of the Naval Staff Spikers Volleyball Club, the FCT Volleyball Chairman, Patron of the Defence Spikers Volleyball Club and Patron of the Thriller Volleyball Club in Abuja. He is also a BoT member of the FCT Coaches Association (FEVOCA).

The CNS Spikers Volleyball Club, under the able, purposeful, resourceful and motivational leadership of Commodore Pindar as the Coordinator has recorded some highly remarkable and commendable achievements in volleyball both in Nigeria and the African continent within just about 2 years of its existence. 

Notable:

The CNS Spikers Volleyball Club, despite participating for the first time, won the men's category of the Invitational Volleyball Championship in Kontagora with an unbeaten record. The female counterpart of the CNS Spikers also settled for the Silver Medal at the Invitational Championship in Kontagora. 

The CNS Spikers also won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) male and Best Setter male at the Kontagora Championship in Niger State in 2021. The Championship had 37 Volleyball clubs comprising 21 men and 16 women's teams across Nigeria that participated. The CNS Spikers was subsequently given a slot to represent Nigeria at the African Women’s Volleyball Club Championship in Kelibia Tunisia in May 2022. 

The CNS Spikers was rated very high as a debutant by the Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB), Federation of International Volleyball (FIVB) and other volleyball pundits in Tunisia. The CNS Spikers Volleyball Club indeed made the NVBF and the country proud by registering our name on the African/global map as a volleyball team to be reckoned with in African Club Volleyball Championships 2023, at Hammamet for the women and Kelibia for the men in Tunisia. 

The team had a much improved performance at the continental championship with the female team rated 7th and the male 9th in Africa. This indeed was highly commendable.

Additionally, the CNS Spikers Volleyball Club under Commodore Pindar, showcased its talent and sustained an unbeaten record by winning the National Volleyball Divisions 1 & 2 Leagues for both the male and female categories respectively, in 2022, despite appearing for the first time. The team also won a total of 7 individual awards.

The CNS Spikers, after gaining promotion to the National Division 1 league for male and Premier league for the women, have continued to maintain their excellent performance. The men's team just recently won the National Division 1 league with an unbeaten run in both phases of the League while the women's team is topping the 1st phase of the Premier league. The male team also won 3 individual awards including the MVP, Best Setter and Best Opposite.

Commodore Pindar has also been very supportive to other volleyball clubs and competitions at both the senior and grassroot levels are too numerous to mention. 

The mentorship and support of this great man with a passion for volleyball and a heart of God compel him in providing job opportunities to volleyball players over the years. He has so far provided job opportunities to over 30 players into the Nigerian Navy alone and still counting. He has also ensured the promotion (Advancement) of volleyball players in the Navy to higher ranks and the Commissioning to the Officers cadre. 

Commodore Pindar’s immense contributions to the volleyball industry in Nigeria and National Youth Empowerment/Development cannot be over-emphasized. Commodore Pindar’s highly remarkable contributions to volleyball in Nigeria earned a Letter of Commendation from the Nigerian Volleyball Federation in 2022.

Commodore Pindar was nominated by the former President, Muhammadu Buhari and sworn in as a Board Member  of the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre under the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports. 

As he proceeds on retirement from the Nigerian Navy, we wish him greater heights in his future endeavours . Congratulations sir!

Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Spikers and Olalomi Royal Spikers have emerged champions of the 2023 National Division 1 Volleyball League in the men and women categories.

CNS Spikers beat Nigeria Correctional Service 3-0 (25-19, 25-23, 25-17) in the final match to record a 100% winning record in the men’s match while Olalomi Royal Spikers beat Nigeria Air Force 3-2 (19-25, 18-25, 25-18, 25-21, 15-13) in the women’s match on Sunday.

CNS Spikers came first position with a total of 24 points, Nigeria Correctional Service finished second position with a total of 18 points, Kwara United surprisingly placed third position with a cumulative point of 7 points; UCEM of Enugu with a total point of 7 points came fourth while G-Ranks Spikers placed fifth place with a total of 4 points in the men’s National Division 1 League.

In the women’s Division 1 League, Olalomi Royal Spikers clinched first position with 8 points while Nigeria Air Force (NAF) Rocket placed second position with a total of 3 points.

Two men (CNS Spikers and Nigeria Correctional Service) and Two women (Olalomi Royal Spikers) have gained promotion into next year’s Nigeria Volleyball Premier League.

Meanwhile, Life Camp VC won the 2023 National Division 2 League and has gained promotion into next year’s National Division 1 League.

Life Camp maintained an unbeaten run in the second phase of the 2023 National Division 2 Volleyball League to come first with 48 points. In second place is Sword VC of Makurdi with 41 points while Nigeria Air Force (NAF) Rockets finished third position with 32 points.

In fourth position is Oluyole Spikers of Oyo state with 32 points, Safety Spikers with 22 points finished fifth place, Adamawa Spikers came sixth place after amassing 20 points, Ajase Ipo and Olalomi Royal Spikers settled for the seventh and eighth positions with 14 and 8 points respectively.

By: Sunny Canto

In attempt to appreciate and commend the efforts of Volleyball silent patrons in Abuja, different clubs converge at MKO Abiola Stadium on Saturday 2nd September, 2023 to honor Major General T.A Gagariga (Rtd), which witnessed a massive spectatorship of Volleyball in Nigeria. 

According to the organizer, honorable Temitope Ajayi, it's a collaboration from us to him, it aim to honor a Philanthropist, Father to many and Patron of the game.

Highlights of the day is (men) match between Life Camp Volleyball Club who narrowly loss (2-3) major score to Games Village Volleyball Club in a keenly contested encounter that finished thus: (25-21, 21-25, 25-23, 28-30, 25-22).

While, Games Village (women) Volleyball Club was defeated (3-0) by their opponent as Coach Dennis Eleri, Suleiman Ibrahim and head gaffer: Hatem Amro merge experience to give them a well-deserved victory of (25-17, 25-18, 25-13).

However, the newly league promoted Life Camp Volleyball Club team, decided to honored the celebrant with a plaque award, decorated card that carry his uniform picture to congratulate Major General T.A Gagariga for his meritorious service and passion for promoting the game.

Gracing the remarkable and mouth watering events were dignitaries like Volleyball board member and renowned veteran: Stephen Hasso who is a retired (Deputy Commissioner of Police), Commordore Pindar, (Nigeria Navy Sports Director), Adamu Tenimu, (Life Camp Volleyball Pioneer) to mention but a few.

While the NVBF board member that was present, Stephen Hasso urged everyone to contribute their quota not criticism because he showed interest without anyone support and for progress of the family, so that more people will be attracted to the sport.

Interestingly, the National team Women Volleyball head Coach: Samuel Ajayi was commended for his excellent performance at the just concluded Africa Championship, held in Cameroon few weeks ago. 

Navy Commodore Pindar, told the family that certainly, sponsors will come, so keep enjoying, playing and supporting Volleyball for more development in the sport.

Incredibly, the Volleyball family had an interactive session with a dance competition that witnessed an enjoyable, educating, reunion moment as winners received cash prizes, sporting kits, commendation.

Eventually, all the winners and runner-up, Coaches, Referee's were awarded a prize money, plaque awards and other incentives to crown their effort as drinks, music, snack's, food was available for everyone to savor the moment.

#LCVC
#GVVC
#GAGARIGA

The former President of Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Melvin Pinnick has donated an ultra-modern volleyball court to Hussey College in Warri, Delta State.

Pinnick told NVBF media that he represented Hussey College in various volleyball competitions between 1984 and 1985.

Pinnick who is a serving member of the FIFA Council said the volleyball court will birth new players in the school and its environment.
 
Present at the commission of the volleyball court includes; Olu of Warri, His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, National President of Hussey college Old Students Association, Elder Emmanuel Ogidi, eminent personalities amongst others.

The donation of the volleyball court was done by Brownhill Foundation, with Amaju Pinnick as founder.

#GivingBackToSociety
#FootballConnectVolleyball

By: Sunny Canto

Following the week-long National Inter-Club Scrabble tournament that had over ten clubs in attendance at Hotel De Bently, Utako, Abuja; where many athletes showcased their prowess and bravery in style.

The event which is aimed at preparing athletes for the forthcoming World Scrabble Championship by summer, featured renown names likes: Wellington Jigere, Enoch Kwali, Moses Akpan, Priscilla Akhabue, Oghenekaro Paul Eta, John Aiyedun, Akeem Ogundokun among others. 

Eta Paul Oghenekaro who emerged overall winner by 20 +1048 as Enoch Nwali finished second with 19 +1781 while John Aiyedun settle for third position with 19 +985.

According to Toke Aka, (Nigeria Scrabble Federation President), "I must commend all the players for their relentless efforts, having conquer World and Africa, we're also trying to attract more followers to out beloved Sport" he told.

"Its an avenue for more victory as we prepare for World Scrabble Championship by July, also we will fully featured National School Scrabble program that starts from training the trainers and progress from intra state to zonal and then national finals"

Aka adding, "Our game is a household game in the past when family values were treasured and upheld, and the economy was friendly. This constant tournament will revamped when the economy improves and equipment become easily available for families to once more buy and participate regularly" he summarized.

Nigeria that is known as World champions since 2015 when Wellington Jigere broke the record, still remain dominant even in Africa soil, winning 13 out of 14 championship. 

Interestingly, Warri Scrabble Club captain: Eta Paul Oghenekaro has to wait for eighteen years to break into stardom as champion, plus winning longest ranked player award that comes with 300,000 Naria benefit, while best Club award goes to team Delta that won One million prize.

Meanwhile, Nigeria Olympic Committee President was ably represented, and their Patrons, board members alongside Mrs. Ejiro Thukson the Secretary, Mr. Curtis John Technical Director, friends and families of Scrabble all graced the glamorous gala night.


#NSF
#WSC

..……Yenegoa to host 2024 Invitational Volleyball Challenge 

The organiser of Abuja Invitational Volleyball Challenge 2023, Major General Taritimiye Gagariga has expressed delight over the number of young players identified by scouts of Nigeria Volleyball Premier League clubs as well as the National Teams.

Major General Gagariga stated this during an interview with newsmen at the end of the 2023 Abuja Invitational Volleyball Challenge on Friday.

Gagariga who doubles as the Chairman of Nigeria Park Volleyball Commission applauded coaches, referees and the Nigeria Volleyball Federation for their support throughout the duration of the challenge.

He said, "I wish to express my most sincere appreciation to the Almighty God for AIVC 2023. We started from Kachia Invitational Volleyball Challenge (KIVC 2017) and are where we are now.

"I say with pride that we already have invites from our grassroots directly to the National Camp and Premiership Clubs. This is one step I wish to use to thank all the coaches for such a quantum leap in the young players' careers."

He said, "I want to thank the Nigeria Volleyball Coaches Association, Nigeria Volleyball Referees Association and the Nigeria Volleyball Federation for their support and cooperation. 

The Sports philanthropist revealed that Yenegoa, Bayelsa State will host the 2024 Invitational Volleyball Challenge.

He said, "We have come this far, and we hope to improve this annual tournament. To Trailblazers Volleyball Club, the planning starts now, and note the need for Quarter Finals Hard Court Male and Female. 

The ball is in your court;  do us proud, and let's have a most memorable Yenagoa Invitational Volleyball Challenge 2024 (YIVC 2024).

"I once again end by most, especially appreciating Engineer Musa Nimrod, President of the NVBF, the NVBF Secretariat and Medical Support, the AIVC 2023 Technical  Team Lead by our amiable Chief Martins Melandi, the Referees, led by Surveyor Timothy Emmanuel, the Coaches and AIVC 2023 Planning Team led by Coach Elishama Elam and Mr Dare 'Gattusso' Kuti who led another level media team", he added.

#NVBF
#2023AIVC
#Volleyball
#Abuja

​

Ultimately, the newly introduced game: Park Volleyball championship powered by Major-General Taritimiye Gagariga did witnessed an impressive performance from Kaduna based team G-Rank, who outshine all their opponents to win the trophy.

However, the 12th edition Volleyball competition that featured fifty teams in the men and women category, also, had a massive followers and turnout in a week-long event at MKO, Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

Despite having twenty-one registered teams at Park Volleyball, the G-Rank emerged victorious as they edge Scorpion Spikers 3-2 in a kneel contested finals that finished thus: 25-20, 21-25, 22-25, 25-22, 18-16 while OVC of OFFA settled for third position having outclass KAF Ambassadors 25-23, 25-19, 25-18 in 3-0 encounter.

Kwara based Offa OVC men team, also, dominated the indoor events, thereby whitewashing the Abuja based Games Village Volleyball Club 25-22, 25-14, 25-22 in a 3-0 match to smile home with so much money as COAS women Spikers fall short 3-1 in the finals to Scorpion Spikers at 24-26, 25-18, 17-25, 19-25 game.

Interestingly, the highly motivated tournament, sponsored by renown Bayelsa origin Army officer, have fostered many talents and skillful players with mouth-watering incentives at various venues across the Nation.

Men: Best Spiker goes to John Bosco (Games Village VC), Best Blocker Destiny Mriah (Defence Spikers), Best Setter-Andrew Philip (Offa VC), Best Libero-Ibe Abraham (Offa VC), Kazeem Mutiu of (Offa VC) go home with MVP.

Women: Best Spiker goes to Charity Sylvester (COAS Spikers), Best Blocker-Chioma Samuel (G-Ranks Spikers), Best Setter-Martha Anebi (Scorpion Spikers), Best Libero-Christiana Belem (COAS Spikers) as Pamela Bawa (Scorpion Spikers) won MVP.

According to Engr. Musa Nimrod, NVBF President and CAVB Secretary, "I must commend the laudable fit by the organizers, because its a huge encouragement and we intend to develop more grassroot Volley-ballers" he summarized.

Nigeria Custom Service Coach and legendary Ex-international Sunday Akpason disclosed, "Honestly speaking, its the best thing that has happen to Nigeria Volleyball in recent years; seeing young players given ample time to showcase their gifts and replace aging ones" he told.

Meanwhile, apart from remarkable privileges given to participants, Education Trust Funds, trophies, souvenirs, laurels, medals and mind-blowing experience plus thrilling moment; one will only anticipate for another classic edition.

In summary, the initiative and legacy of Major-General: Taritimiye Gagariga has reunited, immensely enlighten officials, coaches, players as well as increased Volleyball fans in the country. 

#NVBF
#2023aivc 
#volleyball 
#abuja