Kwara wins Adamawa as National Volleyball League Phase 2 begins in Umuahia

The National Volleyball Division One and Division Two leagues, featuring 34 teams from 22 states, has kicked off in Umuahia, Abia State, with the Ajase-Ipo Volleyball Team of Kwara defeating Adamawa 25–18, 28–27, 25–15 in the Division One category on Friday.

The National Volleyball League, which has both male and female categories, is sponsored by the Abia State Government. Participating teams include host state Abia, as well as Sokoto, Ekiti, Katsina, Adamawa, Kwara, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Plateau, and others.

At the conclusion of the league matches, two teams from the National Volleyball Division Two will gain promotion to Division One, while the two teams finishing at the bottom of Division One will be relegated. Similarly, the top two teams from Division One will advance to the Nigerian Volleyball Premier League.

Speaking during the kick-off of the event, Abia State Director of Sports, Obioma George, said Governor Alex Otti and the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Nwaobilor Ananaba, have made Abia the Sports destination of Nigeria by successfully hosting more than fifteen national and international sporting events.

He noted that the Abia State female volleyball team, which had lost its glory before the current administration, is now ranked second on the table, assuring participating states of a comfortable and well-organised tournament.

The 2nd Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Volleyball Referees Association, Mohammed Mohammed, who serves as the Referee Coach for the championship, promised fair officiating for all teams and advised players to avoid misconduct.