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

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