The Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) has commended the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Enugu 2026 National Sports Festival Organising Committee for including both Volleyball and Beach Volleyball in the programme for the forthcoming festival.
The federation described the decision as a significant milestone for the continued development, promotion and expansion of volleyball in Nigeria, noting that the inclusion of both disciplines would provide athletes across the country with a broader platform to compete and showcase their abilities.
According to the NVBF, the opportunity could also help athletes pursue pathways towards continental and international competition while strengthening the country’s domestic volleyball structure.
The federation specifically praised NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director-General Bukola Olopade for their leadership, vision and commitment to sports development.
The Enugu 2026 organising committee was also commended for recognising the importance of both Volleyball and Beach Volleyball and ensuring their place in the festival programme.
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The NVBF believes the two disciplines will provide an important platform for talent identification, athlete development and competitive exposure, particularly for athletes emerging from the grassroots.
While Volleyball already has an established development structure in Nigeria, the federation noted that Beach Volleyball offers further opportunities for talent discovery and international representation.
The inclusion of both disciplines, it said, could therefore help create a stronger pathway from grassroots participation to the national teams.
With the festival approaching, the federation has called on State Ministries and Departments responsible for Sports, State Sports Councils and State Volleyball Associations to commence preparations immediately.
The NVBF urged the states to organise their Volleyball and Beach Volleyball trials and identify their best athletes ahead of the Enugu 2026 festival.
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The federation also stressed that the National Sports Festival should be viewed as more than a competition, describing it as an important national platform for talent identification and athlete development.
It believes the inclusion of Volleyball and Beach Volleyball can help strengthen the domestic game, encourage greater investment by state governments and provide the foundation for developing athletes capable of representing Nigeria successfully at African and international competitions.
The statement was signed by Godspower Avwerosuoghene Odedede, Chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation.
