The National Volleyball Division One and Division Two League officially began in Umuahia, Abia State, with thrilling matches marking the start of the competition. In one of the opening fixtures, the Ajase-Ipo Volleyball Team of Kwara State defeated Adamawa in straight sets, 25–18, 28–27, 25–15, to secure an early victory in Division One.
The championship, sponsored by the Abia State Government, features 34 teams from 22 states, including Abia, Sokoto, Ekiti, Katsina, Adamawa, Kwara, Bauchi, Bayelsa, and Plateau, among others. Both male and female teams are participating in this year’s edition. According to the organisers, the top two teams from Division Two will move up to Division One, while the bottom two will be relegated. Similarly, the leading two teams from Division One will earn promotion to the Nigerian Volleyball Premier League, and the last two in the Premier League will drop to Division One.
During the kickoff ceremony at the Umuahia Township Stadium, the 2nd Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Volleyball Referees Association, Mohammed Mohammed, pledged that the league would be guided by fair officiating and professionalism. He urged players to maintain discipline and respect referees throughout the competition. Mohammed also commended the Abia State Government for its support in hosting and sponsoring the tournament.
The Abia State Director of Sports, Obioma George, also addressed the media, highlighting that the state has hosted over fifteen national and international sporting events in just one year. He credited this success to the sports-friendly policies of Governor Alex Otti and the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Nwaobilor Ananaba. According to him, the government’s commitment to sports development has restored the state’s reputation as a hub for athletic excellence.
George further revealed that the Abia female volleyball team, which had lost form in previous years, is now ranked second on the league table, thanks to renewed investment in sports. He assured all participating teams of security and safety throughout the duration of the league, reaffirming the government’s commitment to promoting sports and youth engagement across the state.
