NVBF hails volleyball inclusion at Enugu Games

Godspower Avwerosuoghene Odedede.

The Nigeria Volleyball Federation has applauded the National Sports Commission and the Enugu 2026 National Sports Festival Organising Committee for including volleyball and beach volleyball in the programme of the Coal City Games.

The federation described the decision as a boost for the development of the sport in Nigeria, saying the two events would provide athletes with opportunities for competition, talent discovery and exposure ahead of future continental and international assignments.

The 23rd National Sports Festival will hold in Enugu from November 27 to December 11, with athletes and officials expected to arrive on November 25 and 26. The opening ceremony is scheduled for November 27, while the closing ceremony will take place on December 11.

It will be the first time Enugu hosts the National Sports Festival and only the second time the multi-sport event will be held in the South-East, following Imo State’s hosting in 1998.

In a statement signed by its Media and Publicity Committee chairman, Godspower Avwerosuoghene Odedede, the NVBF also commended NSC chairman Shehu Dikko and Director-General Bukola Olopade for their roles in ensuring the inclusion of the two disciplines.

The federation said the decision was particularly significant for beach volleyball, which it believes can provide an avenue for discovering new talents and preparing athletes for international representation.

It urged state ministries and departments responsible for sports, state sports councils and volleyball associations to begin preparations by organising trials and identifying their best athletes for the Games.

The NVBF said the festival should serve not only as a competition but also as a platform for grassroots talent identification and athlete development.

It added that the inclusion of volleyball and beach volleyball could encourage greater investment by states, strengthen the domestic structure and provide a pathway for a new generation of athletes to progress to the national teams.

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