Sports
NVBF Donates Trees to 35 Division 1 & 2 Teams in Support of Climate Action Campaign”
By Joel Ajayi
In a bold step toward environmental sustainability, the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), under the leadership of its President, Engineer Musa Nimrod, has donated tree saplings to all 35 male and female teams that participated in the recently concluded Chief of Defence Staff National Volleyball League Division 1 and 2 – Phase 1.
The symbolic tree presentation took place at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, where fans enjoyed a week of intense competition, vibrant entertainment, and a showcase of volleyball talent from across the nation.
This green reduction initiative aligns with the global shift toward integrating environmental consciousness into sports development. Similar sustainability efforts have been embraced by major international sports bodies such as FIFA, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Confederation the African Volleyball (CAVB), and the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) — proving that sport is a powerful platform for climate advocacy.
Speaking during the ceremony, NVF President Engineer Musa Nimrod highlighted the importance of the initiative as part of the Federation’s contribution to environmental preservation.
“This exercise is not just about playing volleyball. It’s about connecting the sport to climate action.
“We’ve seen firsthand how climate change is already affecting our sporting events. For instance, during the Division II matches played outdoors, unexpected heavy rainfall disrupted play. Flooding was widespread, making outdoor games increasingly challenging.”
He emphasized that the NVF’s objective goes beyond organizing matches — it is about empowering athletes and teams with knowledge and responsibility.
“We are not just asking our players to compete — we are encouraging them to take this message of environmental responsibility back to their homes, communities, and training grounds,” Nimrod continued. “Each team has received a tree sapling. These are not just trees — they symbolize growth, sustainability, and long-term impact.”
He urged teams to plant the trees in meaningful spaces, such as around volleyball courts or within their communities, to contribute to reforestation and environmental restoration.
“We encourage planting economic trees — those that provide shade, fruits, and long-term value,” he added. “Let’s bring back the culture of sitting under trees, relaxing, and benefiting from nature. Deforestation and rapid urban development are exposing our environment to more risks. We must act.”
Nimrod also praised the Federal Government of Nigeria’s ongoing nationwide tree-planting campaign, adding that the NVF is fully aligned with the initiative and committed to replicating it across all volleyball events in the country.
“Wherever you see a volleyball court, let there also be trees,” he concluded. “Let’s follow the example of countries like Japan, where volleyball facilities are surrounded by greenery, offering a beautiful and healthy environment for sports.”
The gesture was widely applauded by coaches, players, and stakeholders who recognized the Federation’s holistic approach — using sport as a tool for both development and climate education.
The Chief of Defence Staff National Volleyball League remains one of Nigeria’s most prestigious volleyball competitions, featuring male and female teams from across the country.
However, the 2025 Phase 1 edition brought together top-tier clubs, emerging talent, and thousands of fans — reflecting the growing popularity of volleyball in Nigeria.
Sports
FCT FA Board Member Urges Grassroots Reform, Hopeful For Super Eagles World Cup Qualification
Legal Practitioner And Administrator Barr Bucknor Threatens To Petition FCT Minister Over Abandoned Stadiums
Despite Nigeria’s precarious position in the race for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Barrister Babatunde Burknor, a board member of the FCT Football Association (FA), remains hopeful that the Super Eagles can still secure qualification.
Nigeria currently sits third in their qualification group with 11 points from 8 matches, trailing Benin Republic and South Africa, who both lead with 14 points. Yet Burknor, a seasoned football administrator and grassroots sports advocate, believes all is not lost.
In a recent interview made available to BSN Sports, Burknor said: “Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup may appear almost impossible, but that doesn’t mean it is out of reach. The situation is tough, yes, but looking at the quality of players in our squad, I still believe we can make it.”
He added that unexpected results from other group rivals could work in Nigeria’s favour.
“Football is unpredictable. There is still a chance that South Africa, Benin Republic, or Rwanda could drop points. If we win our remaining two games, we still stand a chance. Sometimes football reflects life where the strong may fall while the seemingly weak stand tall.”
Calls for Grassroots Reform in the FCT
Beyond national team concerns, Burknor also used the opportunity to address the state of sports development in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), urging the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to take concrete action to revamp local infrastructure.
“We have deep-rooted problems when it comes to grassroots sports. The major issue is a lack of funding and commitment from those charged with driving development at that level,” he said.
Burknor lamented the disappearance of once-thriving youth competitions like the Chairman’s Cup, Principal’s Cup, and Shell Cup, stating that such events played a crucial role in identifying and nurturing young talent.
“It’s disheartening that these programs are no longer active. Development is impossible without facilities, yet we lack even basic training grounds.”
The legal luminary revealed that he personally upgraded the sports facility at a government secondary school in his area to serve as a makeshift training centre, due to the absence of a functioning local stadium.
He is currently drafting a petition to Minister Wike, over abandoned stadiums in FCT, urging a comprehensive audit of officials responsible for sports development across the six Area Councils of the FCT.
Progress in Gwagwalada Football Development
As Vice Chairman of the Gwagwalada Football Council, Burknor highlighted the success of the Gwagwalada Football League, which has become a model for other Area Councils.
“In just two years, we’ve turned the Gwagwalada Football League into a success story. Several players from the league have already secured contracts in Europe. This shows what can be achieved with vision and consistency.”
Barrister Burknor, emphasized that grassroots football holds the key to Nigeria’s long-term football success and must be taken seriously.
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