Sports

53 Clubs Ready to Participate At 2025 FCT Volleyball Challenge Season 2

Published

5 months ago

April 29, 2025

By Joel Ajayi

The grassroots volleyball tournament known as the FCT Volleyball Challenge, popularly referred to as the Abuja Volleyball Challenge, is set to deliver thrilling action as 53 teams—comprising 32 male and 21 female clubs—clash in the highly anticipated Season 2 of the championship.

The event, scheduled to take place from April 30 to May 4, 2025, will be held at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Package B, and promises to be a showcase of raw talent and intense competition.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja, Commodore James Aliyu Pindar (Rtd), Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) and the FCT Volleyball Caretaker Committee, expressed excitement about the upcoming event, noting that this year’s edition will be a massive upgrade from the inaugural season.

“The aim of these competitions is to foster good and friendly relationships among volleyball players and enthusiasts within the FCT and its environs,” he said. “It also seeks to positively engage youths and identify talented players for development at both national and international levels.”

He added that the tournament also plays a vital role in youth sensitization, security awareness, and national development through sport.

The competition is designed to form standing FCT volleyball teams capable of representing the region in national and international competitions.

The LOC Chairman also revealed additional events in the FCT Volleyball calendar, including:‘Catch Them Young’ U-17 FCT Volleyball Challenge – September 1–7, 2025, FCT Beach Volleyball Challenge 2025.

Sensitization Seminar for players, referees, and coaches, culminating in a Fundraising Dinner from November 1–7, 2025.

Notably, the 2025 tournament will see increased participation from 53 clubsides (32 male and 21 female), with matches played across both the indoor and outdoor courts of the stadium.

Highlighting the benefits for participating teams, Pindar listed: Participation grants for all 53 teams, Trophies for overall winners, Medals and cash prizes for teams finishing 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, Individual awards for outstanding players (six male and six female), MVP T-shirts from the quarterfinal stage onward.

Others includes, Certificates of participation for all clubs, Water as well as incentives for teams during matches.

With such incentives and planning, the FCT Volleyball Challenge Season 2 promises to be a significant sporting event in Nigeria’s volleyball calendar.

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Sports

Nigeria Jets Out Tuesday for 2025 Hockey AFCON as Federation President Engr Nkom Backs Teams for Podium Finish

Published

7 hours ago

October 5, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

With the 2025 Hockey African Cup of Nations (AFCON) set to take place in Egypt from October 11 to 18, both the men’s and women’s national hockey teams are set to depart Nigeria on October 7, brimming with confidence and determination to make the nation proud.

The President of the Hockey Federation of Nigeria (HFN), Engineer Simon Nkom, speaking after a series of friendly matches at the Hockey Pitch, Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, said the teams’ early preparation and intensive training camps have positioned them for a successful outing in Egypt.

“In sports—whether it’s hockey, handball, or basketball—fitness is key. That’s why we began camping weeks ago to build the players’ strength and resilience ahead of this major competition. This is the African Cup of Nations—the highest level of hockey on the continent. We’ve prepared well, and I’m confident our teams will finish on the podium,” he stated.

Nkom highlighted the significant progress Nigerian hockey has recorded in recent years, noting that the country’s world ranking improved from 56th to 36th, while in Hockey 5s, Nigeria now stands 12th globally.

“A few years ago, people barely knew hockey existed in Nigeria. Today, our women’s team ranks 3rd in Africa, and the men’s team is 4th. This growth is a product of deliberate grassroots development and consistent effort,” he added.

To ensure smooth participation and avoid past challenges of late arrivals at tournaments, the federation has finalized logistics for early departure.

“We’ve made all arrangements for the teams to leave early to acclimatize and play friendly matches before the competition begins. The players are motivated, relaxed, and ready to give their best. By God’s grace, they will return home with their heads held high,” Nkom assured.

The HFN President also lauded the federation’s board members for their commitment and teamwork over the past four years, which he said has greatly contributed to the sport’s steady rise in Nigeria.

Head coach Ndana Baba Abdullahi, who oversees both the men’s and women’s teams, praised the federation’s support and lauded the players’ work ethic throughout the extended training camp.

“We’ve worked very hard — morning and evening sessions, tactical drills, conditioning. The players have responded excellently. We started with 35 players and are now down to the final 18 who will make the trip,” Abdullahi said, adding that the early arrival in Egypt would give Nigeria a crucial psychological and tactical edge.

Men’s team captain, Michael John, expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness and determination to make history in Egypt.

“We’re perfectly fine — we’ve trained hard and prepared well,” he said. “We’re just waiting for the whistle to blow. By God’s grace, we won’t disappoint our country or those who worked hard to send us there.”

Similarly, women’s team captain, Alfa Cornelius, echoed optimism about the team’s prospects.

“We’ve been camping for over a month, and the coaches have done a wonderful job. We’ve worked hard to match our opponents in both strength and skill. I’m 100% confident that we’ll perform excellently in Egypt,” she said.

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