National Volleyball Leagues Kick Off in Umuahia as Abia Emerges Nigeria’s New Sporting Hub

The 2025 National Volleyball Division One and Two Leagues have officially kicked off in Umuahia, Abia State, featuring 34 teams from 22 states across the country.

The opening match saw Ajase-Ipo Volleyball Team of Kwara State start strong, defeating Adamawa in straight sets — 25–18, 28–27, 25–15 — in the Division One category on Friday.

The tournament, which includes both male and female categories, is sponsored by the Abia State Government, under the leadership of Governor Alex Otti. Teams from Sokoto, Ekiti, Katsina, Adamawa, Kwara, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Plateau, and others are all vying for promotion and national glory.

At the end of the competition, the top two teams from Division Two will be promoted to Division One, while the bottom two teams in Division One will face relegation. Likewise, the top two teams from Division One will earn promotion to the Nigerian Volleyball Premier League — the highest tier of the sport in the country.

Speaking during the official kick-off, Obioma George, the Abia State Director of Sports, praised the state’s growing reputation as the sports destination of Nigeria.

“Under Governor Alex Otti and Commissioner Nwaobilor Ananaba, Abia has hosted over fifteen national and international sporting events. Our female volleyball team, which had lost its glory before this administration, is now ranked second on the table,” George said.

He also assured visiting teams of a well-organised and comfortable tournament, further cementing Abia’s image as a state committed to sports excellence.

Similarly, Mohammed Mohammed, the 2nd Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Volleyball Referees Association and Referee Coach for the championship, pledged fair officiating and urged all players to maintain discipline and professionalism throughout the competition.

💭 Opinion: Abia Is Setting the Pace for Grassroots Sports Development

What’s happening in Abia right now goes beyond volleyball — it’s a renewed movement in Nigerian sports development. In an era where many states are struggling to sustain local leagues, Abia has quietly become a model for how state governments can revive grassroots sports with vision, organization, and investment.

Governor Alex Otti’s administration deserves credit for recognizing sports not just as recreation, but as a tool for youth empowerment and state branding. By hosting major national events and investing in facilities, Abia is nurturing young talent and giving Nigeria a broader base for sporting excellence.

The passion shown in this year’s Volleyball League — from the players to the referees — is proof that with proper support, local competitions can be just as exciting and impactful as international ones.

If other states take a cue from Abia, Nigeria could soon witness a golden era of homegrown sports, where talents like these volleyball stars rise to shine on the continental and global stage.

🏐 Abia isn’t just hosting a volleyball league — it’s building a legacy.