Action started in Umuahia, Abia State, on Friday in the Nigerian Volleyball Division 1 and 2 National League finals, organized by the Nigerian Volleyball Federation, NVBF, and the Abia State Government.
In the male Division 1 game played on Friday, Adamawa lost 2-3 to Sword Volleyball Club of Makurdi, while NAF Rockets Volleyball Club defeated Katsina by 3-2 in Umuahia Township Stadium.
In two other Division 1 games, Light Spikers of Abuja beat NIS by 3-0 while Rhino Volleyball of Jos, coached by Garba Azi, overcame Wikki Volleyball Club of Bauchi by an emphatic 3-0.
Eleven clubs from the male Division 1 are competing in the 2026 league finals, while seven teams are playing in the male Division 2 category.
In the female Division 1, nine clubs compete.
The 2026 Volleyball league finals will end on November 22, 2026, and will be used to promote outstanding clubs from Division 2 to Division 1, while the clubs that occupy the bottom of the table in Division 1 will be relegated to Division 2.
Speaking before the commencement of the games, Director of Sports, Abia State, Obioma George said that the national championship attracted players and officials from different states across the country.
George thanked Governor Alex Otti for promoting national unity and for developing the sports sector in Abia.
Adamawa, Katsina lose first matches as National Volleyball League finals begin in Abia