… intensifies continental preparations
The Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) has said it is adopting an October-to-May league calendar beginning from next season as part of efforts to align its domestic competitions with the international volleyball calendar.
Federation President, Musa Nimrod, revealed this while speaking with journalists at the end of the first phase of the 2026 National Premier Volleyball League in Abuja.
Nimrod, who said the new calendar will enable foreign-based Nigerian players to honour their club commitments abroad while remaining available for national assignments, added that the League Management Committee had been directed to conclude the Super Cup and the first phase of the Premier League before the end of each year to ease fixture congestion.
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According to him, the decision also takes into consideration the 2027 general elections which could affect sporting activities across the country.
“We have informed all clubs that our season will now start in October and end in May. That is the international standard, and it will reduce scheduling challenges, especially for our foreign-based players. We must plan ahead because 2027 is an election year. If we fail to prepare early, it will affect our competitions,” he said.
The NVBF boss said the men’s national team would begin camping immediately in preparation for Nigeria’s participation at the African Senior Championship holding from 13th to 23rd July, 2026 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
“The Premier League has kept the players in good shape. They will enter camp next week while we are hosting the Zone 3 championship in Badagry,” he said.
