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
Nigeria Volleyball Reporters Congratulates Oguntimehin On Election As Fct Swan Chairman
The Nigeria Volleyball Reporters Association (NVRA) has congratulated Tolu Oguntimehin on his election as Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter.
NVRA described his emergence as an opportunity to strengthen sports journalism and advance the welfare of members.
Oguntimehin emerged victorious at the FCT SWAN elective congress held on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, defeating his challenger, Raphael Ekpang, by 88 votes to four.
In a congratulatory message, the Chairman of Nigeria Volleyball Reporters, Alhaji Ganiyu Oloyede described the election outcome as a testament to the confidence reposed in Oguntimehin by members of the association.
Oloyede expressed optimism that the new chairman would bring purposeful leadership, inclusiveness and renewed commitment to the development of sports journalism in the FCT.
He stressed that the responsibility of leading the association goes beyond occupying an office.
Oloyede noted that the new administration must prioritise members’ welfare, professional development, unity and the protection of their collective interests.
The NVR chairman also challenged the incoming leadership to create an enabling environment where sports journalists can thrive professionally, gain greater access to sporting events and contribute meaningfully to the growth of Nigerian sports.
He particularly welcomed Oguntimehin’s commitment to establishing a ₦200 million financial base for the association, describing the proposed initiative as an ambitious step towards building a financially stronger and more sustainable SWAN FCT.
Oloyede further emphasised the importance of collaboration among sports journalists, sports federations, government institutions and other stakeholders, maintaining that stronger partnerships would create more opportunities for members and improve the quality of sports reporting.
He urged the new executive to embrace transparency, accountability and open communication while ensuring that every member feels represented in the administration.
The Nigeria Volleyball Reporters reaffirmed its readiness to work with the new SWAN FCT leadership in promoting sports journalism, strengthening professional relationships and projecting Nigerian sports positively.
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