The Nigerian National Volleyball Federation Division 1 and 2 Championship Phase Two, hosted by Abia State, has ended in Umuahia with the Nigerian Air Force team, Defence Spikers, emerging as the winner of the male category and Team Delta winning the female category.
Speaking at the end of the championship, the President of the Volleyball Federation of Nigeria, Musa Nimrod, expressed delight at the quality of the tournament competed by 19 states.
He advised the leaders of the Southeast states to invest more in sports and engage youths in games, saying that it can reduce criminality and youth restiveness.
Speaking at the grand finale, Abia State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Nwaobilor Ananaba and Director of Sports, Obioma George, commended the spirit of sportsmanship the athletes exhibited, saying that sponsorship provided by Governor Alex Otti’s administration is attracting more sports federations to give the state hosting rights.
Ananaba, who acknowledged that the Abia volleyball team did not do well, promised a better performance from them in future competitions.
The Head Coach of the Nigeria Air Force volleyball team, Master Warrant Officer Yakubu Solomon, expressed his joy over their victory, stressing that the last time they lifted a trophy was in 2003. He thanked Governor Alex Otti for hosting the event.