Sports Groove

 By Maxwell Kumoye     Nigeria's men's volleyball team completed an unbeaten campaign at the Zone 3 Qualifiers in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, with a commanding straight-sets victory over Burkina Faso. The Nigerians wrapped up the final match 3-0, winning 25-17, 25-23 and 25-22 to cap a flawless tournament performance. The team was in imperious form throughout the qualifiers, recording victories over Niger Republic, hosts Côte d'Ivoire, Togo, Benin Republic and Burkina Faso.  Nigeria dropped only three sets across all five matches, underlining their dominance in the regional competition. Their impressive run earned them one of the qualification tickets to the 2026 African Nations Cup finals scheduled for September in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. At the continental championship, Nigeria will battle Africa's best teams for the coveted Nations Cup title and a place at the 2028 Olympic Games. The commanding display in Abidjan highlights Nigeria's gro...

By Maxwell Kumoye    President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Engineer Musa Nimrod, has called for total commitment and support as Nigeria's men's volleyball team prepares for the 2026 African Nations Cup finals in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Nimrod made the remarks shortly after the team secured qualification for the continental championship, where the eventual winner will also earn Africa's lone qualification ticket to the Los Angeles Olympic Games. "We have to put all our resources together to achieve our objective," Nimrod said. "Our preparations will intensify in August when the team moves into training camp. The camp will help the players reach peak fitness and ensure they are fully prepared for the challenge ahead.” The volleyball boss stated. "We know what is at stake because the tournament also serves as a qualification event for the Los Angeles Olympic Games. With only one qualification ticket available, we must do everythin...

...NVBF President heaps praise on the media, says volleyball is flourishing By Maxwell Kumoye      Nigeria's men's volleyball team has qualified for the 2026 African Nations Cup finals in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, after recording a fourth consecutive victory at the ongoing Zone 3 Qualifiers in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. The Nigerian side secured their place at the continental championship, scheduled for September 7 to 21, with a hard-fought 3-1 win over neighbours Benin Republic on Friday. Benin Republic claimed the opening set 25-21 in a tense encounter that was marked by controversial officiating. However, Nigeria responded strongly to level the match by taking the second set 25-21.  Tempers flared midway through the contest as Nigeria's head coach received a yellow card following a heated exchange with the officials. The Nigerians maintained their momentum to dominate the remaining sets 25-15 and 25-20, sealing an impressive comeback victory. The result...

By Maxwell Kumoye and Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye     Nigeria's men's volleyball team made a winning start to their campaign at the 2026 African Nations Cup Zone 3 Qualifiers, hitting Niger Republic 3-1 on Tuesday. Nigeria claimed the opening set 25-22 before Niger Republic fought back to level the contest with a 25-19 victory in the second set.  Coach Taiwo Oladipupo's side, however, showed resilience to regain control, edging the third set 25-23 before producing a dominant display in the fourth set to seal the match 25-9. Reacting to the victory, head coach Taiwo Oladipupo expressed delight with his team's performance while praising the players for their response after dropping the second set. "First of all, I thank Almighty God for giving us our first win of the tournament. I'm very happy with the result. The boys lost the second set, but they responded brilliantly by winning the third and fourth sets," Oladipupo said. The coach acknowledged that ...

By Maxwell Kumoye    The Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) has invited 44 of the country's brightest young volleyball talents to national camp as preparations gather momentum for the 2026 African Junior Volleyball Championships in Egypt. The federation named a 22-player squad each for the U-19 Girls and U-18 Boys teams, with the players drawn from clubs competing in the Nigeria Premier Volleyball League, National Division One League and National Division Two League. The national camping exercise will commence on Friday, July 10, at the High Performance Centre, where both teams will begin intensive preparations for the continental showpiece. The federation expressed confidence in the quality of the selected players, noting that they arrive in camp in excellent competitive shape after participating in the recently concluded first phase of the 2026 National Volleyball League. Beyond competing for continental honours, the NVBF believes both teams possess the quality required to...

By Maxwell Kumoye    Adamou Doudou Djibril has brought the curtain down on an eight-year spell with Gisagara Volleyball Club in the Rwanda Premier League after the club decided not to renew his contract, leaving the veteran Nigerian middle blocker available as a free agent. The Nigeria international, who joined the Rwandan side in 2018, is now free to negotiate with interested clubs.  However, reports suggest the experienced blocker is leaning towards retirement rather than extending his playing career elsewhere. Speaking before the 2025/26 Rwanda National Volleyball League playoffs, Djibril revealed that he has already begun preparing for life beyond the court, with coaching firmly in his sights. "My last wish is to see Gisagara lift not only the league trophy but also return to the continental podium. When we reach that level again, I can start thinking about retirement. Even then, I believe I can still contribute to the club as a coach," he said. Throughout his time at...

...We proudly showcased Nigeria's sporting and cultural heritage –Engineer Musa Nimrod By Maxwell Kumoye      The President of the CAVB Beach Volleyball Commission, Engineer Musa Nimrod, has described the successful hosting of the African Nations Cup Zone 3 Beach Volleyball Qualifiers in Badagry, Lagos State, as a major boost not only for the sport but also for tourism and grassroots development. Speaking after the competition, Nimrod said staging the tournament in the historic town gave participating teams and visitors the opportunity to experience Badagry's rich cultural heritage alongside top-class beach volleyball. "I am very happy because Badagry is a historic town. This event was never just about volleyball. Visitors also had the opportunity to see historic landmarks such as the Land of the Slave and the Gate of Return. It shows that sports can also promote tourism and preserve our history," he said. He commended the enthusiasm of the local community, noting tha...

...Backs strong preparation for Morocco and Côte d'Ivoire   By Maxwell Kumoye     President of CAVB Zone 3, Ali Yaro, has praised the Nigeria Volleyball Federation for successfully hosting the African Nations Cup Beach Volleyball Zone 3 Qualifiers, describing the tournament as a crucial platform for the development of the sport in West Africa. Speaking during the competition, Yaro commended the federation's leadership and officials for delivering a successful championship, stressing that while Nigeria had already secured qualification for the African Nations Beach Volleyball Championship, the tournament provided other countries with a valuable opportunity to compete and prepare for the continental showpiece. He noted that staging the event in Badagry proved to be a wise decision, saying the city's location made travel easier for neighbouring countries and contributed to the impressive turnout of participating teams. Yaro expressed delight with the presence of six nat...

  By Maxwell Kumoye        The fourth day of the 3rd CGC Volleyball Premier League (First Phase) in Abuja produced thrilling encounters, dominant performances, and dramatic comebacks as teams battled for crucial victories in both the men's and women's categories. In the women's division, Life Camp Volleyball Club maintained their impressive form with a hard-fought straight-set victory over Excelsior VC.  Despite the 3-0 scoreline, the contest was closely fought, with Life Camp edging the sets 25-23, 25-21, and 25-23. Anambra Queens and Benue Queens served up one of the most entertaining matches of the day. Anambra Queens survived a fierce challenge to claim a 3-2 victory after five gripping sets.  After taking the opening set 25-22, Anambra surrendered the next two sets 13-25 and 22-25 before mounting a strong comeback to win the fourth set 25-14 and seal the decisive fifth set 15-11. Defending champions Nigeria Customs Service Women underl...

By Maxwell Kumoye    The second day of the 3rd CGC Volleyball Premier League produced a blend of dominant performances and nail-biting five-set encounters as teams battled for supremacy in both the men's and women's categories. In the women's division, defending contenders Nigeria Customs Service maintained their impressive form with a commanding straight-sets victory over VIP & Partner. Customs controlled the contest from start to finish, winning 25-20, 25-11, 25-20 to secure another important victory. One of the most exciting matches of the day saw Anambra Queens edge Excelsior VC 3-2 in a fiercely contested encounter.  After sharing the opening four sets, Anambra Queens held their nerve in the deciding set to claim a dramatic 16-14 victory and seal the match. CNS Spikers were ruthless against Fire Service, cruising to a comprehensive 3-0 win. They dominated every set, winning 25-8, 25-15 and 25-14 to underline their title credentials. NSCDC recovered fr...

By Maxwell Kumoye    The stage is set for another thrilling chapter in Nigerian volleyball as the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) prepares to serve off the first phase of the 2026 National Premier Volleyball League in Abuja. The country's elite volleyball clubs will converge on the Indoor Sports Hall of Package B, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, from June 13 to 28, battling for supremacy in Nigeria's top-flight volleyball competition. The championship, sponsored by the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, will feature both men's and women's teams in what promises to be a highly competitive and entertaining tournament. As the flagship domestic volleyball competition in the country, the National Premier Volleyball League has continued to play a crucial role in talent discovery, athlete development and the promotion of volleyball excellence across Nigeria.  The competition is expected to attract some of t...

...As he eyes Badagry international showpiece in July  By Maxwell Kumoye      Nigeria’s volleyball resurgence gained further traction as the President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Engineer Musa Nimrod, hailed the crucial backing of the Controller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, following the impressive continental outings of the Customs teams. At the African Women’s Club Championship in Egypt, the Nigeria Customs Service women’s team showed resilience and growing maturity, battling through a competitive field to secure a commendable 9th-place finish.  Their campaign was marked by spirited performances against some of Africa’s elite sides, underlining their steady rise. Meanwhile, at the men’s championship in Kigali, the Customs male team demonstrated grit and tactical discipline to progress beyond the group stage and into the knockout rounds.  Their journey to the Round of 16 showcased Nigeria’s improving...

By Maxwell Kumoye    Rwanda’s Police Volleyball Club (PVR) delivered a commanding performance to sweep aside Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) 3-0 in the Round of 16 at the 47th CAVB Men’s Club Championship in Kigali. Playing in front of an energetic crowd at the BK Arena on Day 8, the hosts showed composure and attacking precision to take the match in straight sets, 25-21, 25-16, 25-21. The opening set was closely contested, with NCS putting up a spirited fight.  However, PVR’s defensive discipline and timely spikes proved decisive as they edged ahead 25-21.  The second set saw the Rwandan side raise their intensity, dominating proceedings with sharp serves and quick transitions to cruise to a comfortable 25-16 win. NCS attempted a comeback in the third set, matching PVR point for point for long spells. But once again, the home side held their nerve in crucial moments to seal the set 25-21 and complete a comprehensive victory. The result sends Police VC into...

...As knockout stage begins at 2026 African Men’s Volleyball Club Championship By Maxwell Kumoye        The knockout stage of the 2026 African Men's Volleyball Club Championship bursts into life today in Kigali, Rwanda, as Africa’s top club sides shift from group survival to title ambition in a high-stakes race to the crown. After days of intense group action, the Round of 16 now sets the tone for a win-or-go-home battle, with heavyweight clashes and potential upsets lurking across the bracket.  Defending contenders and emerging forces alike must now prove their pedigree under pressure. After a not too impressive group stage outing, Nigeria Customs Service take on Police VC, as Rwanda’s Kepler VC battle Kenya’s GSU in another evenly poised encounter. Uganda’s Nemostars square off against Kenya Ports Authority in one of the standout ties, while Rwanda’s REG VC face Uganda’s Sport-S VC in a clash that promises regional intensity.  Elsewhere, DR Co...

By Maxwell Kumoye      Rwanda’s APR VC saw their unbeaten streak come to an end after a commanding straight-sets defeat to Egypt’s Petrojet Volleyball Club in their final Group A clash at the Africa Men’s Club Volleyball Championship on Monday. Playing at the BK Arena, APR fell 3-0 (25-18, 25-18, 29-27) in a match that ultimately decided top spot in the group.  Despite the setback, APR still advanced to the knockout stage alongside fellow qualifiers, including Nigeria’s Nigeria Customs Service Volleyball Club, who secured a place in the Round of 16. APR began brightly, showing early intent in a high-stakes opener, but defensive lapses and shaky reception quickly handed control to Petrojet, who cruised to a 25-18 win in the first set. Head coach Sammy Mulinge attempted to shake things up in the second set, introducing Samuel Niyonshima for James Achuil, while Willy Mucyo switched to the right side alongside Yves Mutabazi.  The tactical tweaks, however...

By Maxwell Kumoye    The 2025 Comptroller General of Customs Volleyball Premier League roared into its final phase on Tuesday night and the big guns wasted no time stamping their authority at the Moshood Abiola Stadium. Reigning champions CNS Spikers opened their title defence like a team on a mission, sweeping aside the Nigeria Correctional Service in straight sets, 3–0 (25-22, 25-20, 25-18).  From the opening serve, the champions controlled the rhythm, never allowing Correctional to breathe as they powered to a flawless start. Two-time champions, Offa Volleyball Club were equally ruthless, dismantling 2024 bronze medallists Kada Kings 3–0 (25-19, 25-16, 26-24). The Kings fought fiercely in the third set but Offa’s composure sealed the sweep. Sunshine Spikers lived up to their name, shining brightly with another clean victory, dispatching UCEM 3–0 (25-21, 25-20, 25-22), while Nigeria Customs Service delivered one of the night’s most dominant performances, cru...

...Onikeku dedicates victory to Comptroller General of Customs, Dr. Adewale Adeniyi ...Promise to continue flying the nation’s flag high    The Nigeria Customs Service defeated the Ghana Air Force 3-0 (25–20, 25–23, 25–14) to emerge champions of the 2025 Super Volleyball Championship in the women’s category on Sunday, November 23. Nigeria’s sole representative were unbeaten throughout the tournament recording resounding victory against Ghana Navy, Kalibi, Ghana Immigration and Elwak Wings at the Borteyman Sports Complex in Accra, Ghana. The Head of Sports of the Nigeria Customs Service, Samuel Onikeku, attributed the team’s success to the substantial investment and unwavering support of the Comptroller General of Customs, Dr. Adewale Adeniyi (MFR). Onikeku noted that the CGC has invested heavily in the team and created an enabling environment for the players to fully express their potential. He commended the players and the technical crew for their commitment and f...

Nigeria have unveiled their representatives for the CAVB U18 Youth Beach Volleyball Cup, in The Gambia. The Youth Beach Volleyball Cup will take place in Banjul from 2nd to 7th September 2026. The men's team features Isaac James and Bobai Andrew, while the women’s team includes Pamela Bawa and Ifechukwu Odoh.  Both teams will be handled by national team coach John Iwerima, who is tasked with leading the young athletes in what is expected to be a competitive tournament. Iwerima expressed confidence in his players and their chances of wining the Youth Championship.  He said, “We have prepared well, and I believe this team has what it takes to win the tournament. Nigeria is going to Banjul to compete, and to come back with the trophy.” According to the President of the CAVB Beach Volleyball Commission, the Nigerian delegation is expected to arrive in Banjul today (September 3).  He emphasised that the competition plays a crucial role in shaping the future of Afri...