NOC Commends NSSF, Pledges Support for National School Volleyball Championships

The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) has thrown its full support behind the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF) following the resounding success of the 2nd National School Volleyball Championships. NOC President Engr. Habu Gumel lauded the NSSF's efforts, emphasizing the tournament's critical role in identifying and nurturing the next generation of Nigerian sporting talent. "We are excited with what we are seeing in this tournament, and we are happy that the future is secure with the quality of play displayed by these students," Gumel stated, highlighting the potential for these young athletes to compete on global stages like the Commonwealth and Olympic Games.

The four-day event, held at the National Institute for Sports in Lagos, brought together 28 teams from across the nation, showcasing a vibrant display of youthful energy and competitive spirit. The championships, a collaborative effort between the NSSF, the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVVF), and the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), served as a powerful testament to the importance of grassroots sports development. The NOC's pledge of continued support signals a strong commitment to bolstering school sports initiatives, recognizing them as the bedrock for future national sporting achievements.

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We are excited with what we are seeing in this tournament, and we are happy that the future is secure with the quality of play displayed by these students. This shows that Nigeria has athletes capable of competing at the Commonwealth, Olympic, and African Games. Please feel free to reach out to us so we can support NSSF in future tournaments.

NSSF President Olabisi Joseph expressed her satisfaction with the tournament's outcome, noting the federation's intention to collaborate with the NVBF to scout and select the most promising players. These selected athletes are earmarked to represent Nigeria at the 2026 International School Sport Federation (ISF) World School Volleyball Championship in China. This focus on international representation underscores the ambition to elevate Nigerian volleyball on the world stage, providing aspiring young players with invaluable opportunities to gain international exposure and experience.

The championships concluded with thrilling finals, where Bayelsa and Bauchi states emerged as champions in the boys' and girls' categories, respectively. Adamawa and Oyo states secured the bronze medals, underscoring the competitive depth across the participating regions. This successful event not only celebrated the achievements of the young athletes but also reinforced the NOC's dedication to fostering a robust sports ecosystem in Nigeria, from the grassroots level upwards.

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We are happy with the beautiful display by the participating teams, and we will collaborate with NVBF to select the best players to represent Nigeria at the 2026 International School Sport Federation (ISF) World School Volleyball Championship in China.