Abuja: Ben Azi, Head Coach of De Friends Spikers Volleyball Club of Abuja, has called for increased government support and investment in volleyball development in the country. He expressed confidence that several emerging teams would make strong impressions in the ongoing Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) 2026 Phase One Division One National League in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Azi highlighted that although De Friends Spikers are not participating in the Division One or Division Two leagues this season, preparations are ongoing to compete strongly in future editions. He shared that some players from his club are currently featuring for other teams in the competition and expressed particular admiration for the quality displayed by emerging teams like Light Spikers Volleyball Club of Abuja and Rhino Volleyball Club of Jos in the men’s category, as well as NY Spikers and Queen Amina Team (QAT) Volleyball Club in the women’s category.
Azi expressed belief that Light Spikers Volleyball Club c
ould secure promotion to the Premier League this season. He emphasized that his team has remained active for five to six years, participating in all editions of the FCT Abuja Challenge volleyball championship, with the men’s team finishing fourth in their first two participations.
Discussing the development of volleyball in Nigeria, Azi identified inadequate funding as a major challenge affecting the growth of the sport. He urged the government to allocate a better budget for volleyball and sports in general, noting that while football receives significant attention, other sports like volleyball are also growing.
Azi expressed concern over the trend of young players seeking opportunities abroad due to better financial incentives, adding that restrictions preventing players from playing two seasons simultaneously often discourage them from returning to compete in local leagues. He argued that improved welfare and support structures would help Nigeria retain and develop more volleyball talent domestically.
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he coach also praised Queen Amina Team (QAT) Volleyball Club as one of the promising sides in the women’s category and commended NY Spikers Men’s Division One for expanding by registering a female team. Rhino Volleyball Club of Jos was highlighted as another team with strong potential, having gained promotion from Division Two in 2025 and possessing young, committed players capable of reaching the Premier League.