Sports
Pindar Declares Readiness for Volleyball Revival in North Central, Hails Growth of the Game in Nigeria
Joel Ajayi
As the 2025 National Volleyball League Division 1 and 2 (Phase 1) concluded, stakeholders reflected on the remarkable strides volleyball has made in Nigeria.
Among them was Commodore James Aliyu Pindar (Rtd), Chairman of the FCT Volleyball Association, who commended the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVF) for its sustained efforts in transforming the game.
Speaking with Journalists on Monday in Abuja during the NVF’s donation of shade trees to 35 volleyball clubs in the league, as part of the Federation’s contribution to environmental preservation. Pindar described the current phase as a milestone in the sport’s development.
“It’s really quite interesting and wonderful. Volleyball in Nigeria has clearly evolved,” he said. “This first phase has been particularly impressive. After years of low participation, we are now seeing strong teams from across the country competing in both Division 1 and Division 2.”
He lauded the Defence Headquarters for sponsoring the phase and praised the NVF for driving grassroots and national growth.
‘Out of the 35 Club sides participating in the National Divisions I & II Volleyball league, we have about 10 from the FCT comprising 4 that are privately sponsored and 6 sponsored by organizations. This is a far cry from past editions where the numbers were much lower. The Nigeria Volleyball Federation deserves our full support and commendation,” he added.
Looking ahead to the forthcoming NVF elections, Pindar confirmed his intention to contest, unveiling plans to revive volleyball in the North Central zone if elected.
“As Chairman of FCT Volleyball, I’ve served two terms and overseen significant growth. Now, I want to replicate that success across the North Central zone where volleyball activity remains minimal,” he said.
Pindar expressed concern over the region’s poor representation in national competitions, noting that most teams are government-sponsored while private clubs and grassroots talent remain underrepresented.
“Why can’t we have North Central teams across all categories — U15, U17, U19, and senior levels? We must build a strong base that combines both government and private initiatives to ensure sustainability,” he stressed.
He pledged to introduce “a solid new dimension” to volleyball administration in the region, promising year-round activities and inclusivity across all states.
“It’s time for a volleyball revival in the North Central. We must break the current limitations and inject energy into the sport at every level,” he concluded.
The 2025 Chief of Defence Staff National Volleyball League has been lauded as a showcase of emerging talent and growing interest in the sport — a sign that Nigerian volleyball is on a strong upward trajectory
Sports
AACT 2026: 31 Days to Africa’s Big Sporting Gathering in Abuja
Joel Ajayi
The countdown to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) has officially entered the final month, with just 31 days to go before Africa’s leading women’s team golf championship tees off at the IBB International Golf & Country Club in Abuja.
In a statement signed by the AACT 2026Director of Communication Kayode Adeniyi on Friday in Abuja.
Under the theme “Africa Is Coming to Abuja,” the countdown campaign will spotlight the championship, the participating nations, the players, the host venue and the growing development of women’s golf across the continent.
The 2026 AACT, scheduled for November 2–7, will bring together women’s golfing talent from across Africa for six days of continental competition in Nigeria’s capital.
As preparations continue at the IBB International Golf & Country Club, attention is increasingly turning to Abuja, where the championship will provide a platform for African golfers to compete while also showcasing Nigeria’s hospitality and the country’s growing profile as a destination for major sporting events.
The countdown will feature daily stories, interviews, player and country profiles, tournament facts, behind-the-scenes updates and features on the host venue as the championship draws closer.
The campaign will also highlight the role of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), the Local Organising Committee and other stakeholders in preparing for the continental championship.
With just 31 days remaining, anticipation is building across the African golfing community as Abuja prepares to welcome the continent’s leading women golfers.
Africa is coming to Abuja.
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