NVBF President Celebrates International Youth Day As Volleyball Leagues Begins

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso

The President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Engineer Musa Nimrod, has extended warm felicitations to Nigerian youths on the occasion of the 2025 International Youth Day, reaffirming his unwavering commitment to their development, empowerment, and active participation in sports and national growth.

In a goodwill message released through his media assistant on Tuesday in Abuja, Engr. Nimrod commended Nigerian youths for their resilience, creativity, and invaluable contributions towards promoting peace, unity, and socio-economic development across the country.

He lauded their achievements in various spheres, including sports, technology, entrepreneurship, and community service, stressing that the energy and ingenuity of the nation’s youth remain a vital driving force for Nigeria’s future.

“Our youths are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the innovators, change-makers, and champions of today. Their resilience in the face of challenges inspires hope for a brighter future,” Engr. Nimrod stated.

Highlighting his administration’s consistent investment in youth-oriented sporting initiatives, the NVBF President revealed that thousands of young Nigerians have benefitted from grassroots volleyball programmes, elite training camps, and talent development schemes under his leadership. He reiterated his resolve to introduce more youth-centered programmes aimed at fostering education, skill acquisition, and sustainable development through sports.

Engr. Nimrod also urged Nigerian youths to shun substance abuse and avoid vices that could derail their personal ambitions, calling instead for dedication, discipline, and self-improvement as they strive towards excellence.

His remarks came as the 2025 National Division 1 & 2 Volleyball Leagues officially served off at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja — an event that brings together top-tier and emerging volleyball teams from across the country for an intense week of competition.

Day 1 Results – Division 1

Men’s Matches

Ajase Ipo vs Safety Spikers: 2–0 (25–16, 25–19)

Defence Spikers vs Adamawa Spartans: 2–0 (25–18, 25–19)

Life Camp VC vs Sword VC: 2–0 (25–21, 25–20)

Women’s Matches

Excelsior VC vs Adamawa Spartans: 2–0 (25–15, 25–13)

Sokoto Caliphate VC vs Bayonet Spikers: 2–0 (26–24, 25–22)

Bayelsa Queens vs Plateau Queens: 1–2 (14–25, 25–21, 11–15)

Nigeria Immigration Service vs Safety Spikers: 2–0 (25–15, 25–19)

Vipers Spikers vs Fire Service Spikers: 2–0 (25–15, 25–23)

The tournaments, running from August 11 to 19, are expected to showcase Nigeria’s finest volleyball talents, as well as provide a platform for young players to demonstrate their skills and compete for national recognition.

Engr. Nimrod emphasized that the league’s design is in line with the NVBF’s strategic vision of using competitive sport as a tool for youth engagement, national integration, and the discovery of future volleyball stars.

“Every spike, serve, and block you see here in Abuja this week is proof of the incredible potential within our youths. The NVBF will continue to nurture that potential,” he affirmed.

As matches continue over the coming days, the NVBF President expressed optimism that the competition will not only raise the standard of the game in Nigeria but also inspire more young people to embrace sports as a viable pathway to success.