NVPL Phase Two Kicks Off with Strategic Reforms

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso

The 2025 Nigeria Volleyball Premier League has kicked off Phase Two on Monday, at the Indoor Sports Hall of the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. The Nigerian Volleyball Federation (NVBF) and its sole sponsor, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), pledged stronger support, bigger rewards, and strategic reforms to advance volleyball nationwide.

At a news briefing, NVBF Second Vice President and League Management Committee Chairman, Arc. Tanimu Adamu, addressed a misleading media report, reaffirming that the NCS remains the sole sponsor of the Premier League and a strategic partner in multiple federation programmes.

“Customs has played a key role in taking this league to internationally acceptable standards,” Adamu said.

Major Reforms and Global Alignment

Adamu announced that from 2026, all NVBF leagues will conclude between June and July, aligning the Nigerian volleyball calendar with global schedules. This ensures athletes can participate in international tournaments without conflict.

The Federation will also introduce new competitions, including the Super Cup, aimed at broader player engagement and development.

Enhanced Player and Team Incentives

Representing the Comptroller General, Mr. Samuel Onikeku, Head of Sports at NCS, revealed significant financial boosts:
• Player subsidies increased from N300,000 to N500,000 per phase
• Team subsidies increased from N300,000 to N500,000 per phase
• Total investment for Phases One and Two hits N48 million

Prize money for the 2025 Premier League has also grown to N5 million for winners, N3 million for runners-up, and N2 million for third place, the largest in Nigerian volleyball history. Additional awards for the most disciplined teams are also being introduced.

Onikeku highlighted that the league’s quality has sharpened Nigeria’s continental competitiveness, citing Customs’ recent dominant performance in Ghana where they defeated six top Ghanaian clubs.

Strategic Outlook and Sponsorship
Adamu emphasized that while additional sponsors are welcome, the NVBF will not pressure NCS, recognizing their continued contribution across multiple league divisions.

Both NVBF and NCS officials also lauded the media for increasing volleyball’s visibility across Nigeria and Africa, noting the sport’s growing profile and the league’s contribution to developing world-class athletes.