Sports
NVBF to Introduce Doping Tests in 2026 Premier League — Nimrod
Joel Ajayi
The President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Engr. Musa Nimrod, has announced that the federation will commence doping tests in the Premier League as part of a strong push to sanitize the sport and protect its integrity.
While Speaking shortly after the Anti-Doping Information and Education Seminar organised by the NVBF Nimrod said the initiative was designed to sensitise volleyball players on anti-doping rules and safeguard their careers in line with global best practices.
He described the seminar as a necessary step following directives from the last Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC) Congress. According to him, the NOC encouraged all federations to adopt a top-to-bottom approach to anti-doping, after a comprehensive presentation by the President of the NOC Anti-Doping Committee and medical experts.
He explained that Nigeria has now constitutionally fulfilled the requirements of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), making it imperative for sports federations to take deliberate actions against the growing trend of athletes taking drugs or competing under the influence.
While admitting that the cost of full laboratory testing remains a challenge, Nimrod said the NVBF has resolved to partner with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to conduct simple but effective checks on players.
“We are not joking about this,” Nimrod stated.
“For every international competition, we already conduct drug tests on our players before traveling. What we want to do now is to step it down to the domestic level, starting from the Premier League, to support the Federal and State Governments in curtailing drug abuse.”
The NVBF president noted that drug use often reflects clearly during matches, with some players starting games strongly before suddenly dropping in performance.
He stressed that such situations would now attract simple verification tests, carried out in collaboration with NDLEA officials. He also clarified that harmless substances like glucose drinks are allowed, but injections, marijuana or any substance taken to artificially boost performance will not be tolerated.
Nimrod expressed satisfaction with the turnout at the anti-doping programme, revealing that all participating teams were present alongside referees, officials and board members. He described the exercise as an advocacy-driven initiative aimed at educating all stakeholders to prevent future conflicts when new regulations are enforced, such as restroom monitoring during matches.
He added that the anti-doping drive will help Nigeria avoid embarrassment at international competitions organised by the FIVB, CAVB, as well as events such as the African Games, Nations Cup qualifiers and the Commonwealth Games.
Beyond anti-doping, Nimrod highlighted the resurgence of volleyball in Nigeria, noting the growing interest witnessed during the Super Cup, including strong participation from schools.
He expressed confidence in grassroots development, revealing that Nigeria has been invited to participate in an upcoming Under-15 competition in Egypt, with the assurance that the country can also raise competitive Under-13 teams in the near future.
“With the right structure and discipline, volleyball will return to the glory days when it rivalled football for attention,” Nimrod said, reaffirming the federation’s commitment to clean sport, youth development and international competitiveness.
Sports
Badminton Federation of Nigeria Targets Grassroots Growth, Coaches’ Capacity Building
Joel Ajayi
The President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih, says the federation has launched an ambitious reform programme anchored on structured planning, grassroots development, and long-term athlete progression across all levels of the sport.
Speaking on Thursday in Abuja, after two-day retreat at ANOCA building where board members, technical experts, and stakeholders gathered under the theme: Repositioning Badminton for Sustainable Growth’ gathered to chart a way forward for the Game.
Orbih said the sessions were designed to align stakeholders on a unified four-year strategic roadmap focused on improving governance, strengthening performance systems, and expanding participation nationwide.
He noted that key priorities discussed include technical development, coaching education, athlete welfare, and a more coordinated grassroots structure through school-based programmes.
According to him, the federation has approved the creation of 11 committees to drive implementation of its reforms, with emphasis on accountability, coordination, and measurable performance outcomes.
“We wanted a collective approach where decisions are jointly owned and implemented, with clear and measurable results.
‘’A major pillar of the plan is grassroots badminton development, particularly in schools.’’
He explained that while outreach programmes have existed, the federation is now shifting toward a more structured and data-driven approach with wider national coverage.
Orbih disclosed that the federation currently reaches an average of 25 to 30 schools per zonal outreach programme, but plans are underway to expand coverage across more states and increase consistency of engagement.
He also highlighted gaps in coaching capacity, noting that the number of certified coaches in Nigeria remains relatively low compared to other countries. The federation, he said, will intensify coaching education and certification programmes to close the gap and improve technical standards.
“We have over 100 coaches in Nigeria, but many are not actively engaged in continuous training. We want to strengthen that system and raise the standard,” he added.
The BFN president further confirmed the introduction of structured age-grade development pathways, covering under-12, under-15, under-19, and other youth categories to ensure seamless progression from grassroots to elite level.
President added that, federation plans to organise more age-group tournaments to sustain player development and improve competitive exposure.
Speaking also, the Technical Director of the federation, Tunde Kashim, also emphasised that the technical department remains central to the reform agenda, describing it as the “engine room” of badminton development in the country.
He said the department is reviewing player databases, coaching structures, and competition pathways to ensure a stronger performance system.
Kashim added that efforts will be made to upgrade coaching levels across the country, including progression through certification tiers, while also addressing the declining number of active coaches in the system.
He further revealed plans to expand youth competitions across multiple age categories, including under-12, under-15, under-16, and under-19 levels, aimed at strengthening the talent pipeline from schools to elite competition.
According to him, the federation is also working with state stakeholders to improve facilities and increase participation, while preparing for upcoming national and continental engagements.
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