Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) President, Musa Nimrod, has directed all clubs in the country to align with an October-to-May league calendar, insisting that Nigerian volleyball must adopt the global standard to improve competitiveness and ensure the availability of foreign-based players.
Speaking at the close of the third edition of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Volleyball Premier League Phase 1 on Saturday, Nimrod said the federation would no longer tolerate an irregular domestic calendar that clashes with international competitions and other national activities.
“We have told every club that the season must start in October and end around March or May. That way, foreign-based players will also be available because they would have signed for their respective clubs. This is the global standard and we must follow it,” he said.
The NVBF president also directed the League Management Committee to ensure that the Super Cup and the first phase of the Premier League are concluded before the end of each calendar year.
He warned that the 2027 general elections could disrupt sporting activities if proper planning is not put in place.
Nimrod spoke as the curtain fell on the 15-day championship, which drew commendation from stakeholders for its organisation, quality of play and growing international profile.
Turning attention to Nigeria’s beach volleyball programme, Nimrod defended the decision to camp athletes in Kaduna ahead of the Zone 3 African Beach Volleyball Championship scheduled for July 3 to 7 in Badagry, Lagos State.
He explained that the federation has successfully used Kaduna, Abuja, Ilugushi and Badagry as training centres over the years, adding that the artificial sand facilities now meet international standards.
According to him, Badagry was chosen to host the regional championship because of its strategic location, making it easier for participating West African countries such as Benin Republic, Burkina Faso and Liberia to travel to the venue.
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He disclosed that eight countries would compete in the tournament, with three qualification tickets available for the African Championship in Morocco later this year.
Nimrod also expressed confidence in Nigeria’s chances at the forthcoming African Nations Cup qualifiers in Abidjan, noting that several foreign-based players are now available and will join the national team’s training camp following the conclusion of the Premier League.
Earlier, NVBF Vice President, Adamu Tanimu, described the first phase of the league as one of the federation’s most successful competitions.
He revealed that the championship recorded an average of about 5,000 online viewers daily from nearly 200 countries, describing it as evidence that Nigerian volleyball is attracting increasing global attention.
“We have achieved what we set out to do by showcasing the progress of the Nigerian league. Today, our league is comparable to what you see in Europe, Asia and even North Africa,” Tanimu said.
He also praised the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for his sustained support for volleyball, describing him as one of the sport’s strongest backers in Nigeria.
Tanimu further welcomed the surprise visit of the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, saying it reflects growing institutional support for the development of volleyball.
