Stakeholders Seek Deeper Federation Role As NUGA Volleyball Finals Hold in Jos

Key stakeholders in Nigerian volleyball have renewed calls for stronger involvement of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) in the Nigeria University Games Association (NUGA), as the 27th edition concluded in Jos.

Although the volleyball event was not on the NVBF’s official calendar, senior officials of the federation, including Technical Director Timothy Samuel, were on ground to assess proceedings. Samuel commended the organisation but noted that earlier engagement with the federation could have strengthened the technical quality of the competition.

NVBF North Central Zonal Representative, Bolcit Barshep-Amakiri, acknowledged logistical constraints but said the standard of play remained encouraging. She regretted the absence of national coaches, noting that several emerging talents went unscouted because the federation was not formally integrated into the process.

National Beach Volleyball Coach, John Iwerima, stressed that the federation has historically supported NUGA, citing past editions where equipment and technical backing were provided. He praised the atmosphere at the Naraguta Campus venue and urged stakeholders to build on the momentum ahead of Calabar 2026.

Chairman of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Sports Council, Prof. Dereck Orji, described volleyball as one of Nigeria’s fastest-rising sports and called for university competitions to be upgraded to national standards. He emphasised the need for early talent recruitment and sustained private-sector involvement.

Nasarawa State University won gold in the men’s event, while Bayero University Kano clinched the women’s title.