NUGA: Stakeholders Push for Stronger Federation Involvement in Volleyball
The 27th Nigeria University Games Association (NUGA) has served as a rallying point for volleyball stakeholders across the country, as officials of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) converged in Jos to observe the men’s and women’s finals.
National Volleyball Federation Technical Director, Surveyor Timothy Samuel, said although the NUGA Volleyball event was not part of the federation’s official calendar, the NVBF was present to support the university competition.
“It is not part of our federation activities for the year, but we are here to support the NUGA Games,” he said. “As a university competition, it is professionally structured and well organised. We are giving the best support we can. However, involving the federation earlier would have improved the technical organisation.”
NVBF’s first female North Central Zonal Representative, Mrs Bolcit Barshep-Amakiri, noted that despite logistical challenges, the outing remained worthwhile.
“The expectations were high, but we also understand that some issues were beyond NUGA’s control,” she said. “The standard of play is encouraging. There are players who could be invited to the national camp, but because the federation was not carried along, our national coaches were not here to scout. That is a missed opportunity.”
She added that the Games created a platform for volleyball stakeholders from across the country—including veterans and officials from Anambra and other states—to reconnect and collaborate.
National Beach Volleyball Coach, John Iwerima, highlighted the federation’s longstanding support to the university games, recalling the Lagos edition where the NVBF President, Engineer Musa Nimrod, provided equipment and attended matches.
“NUGA is not isolated from the federation,” he said. “We have always supported the Games. The atmosphere at the beach volleyball venue in Naraguta Campus was wonderful. There is no competition without challenges, but this one has succeeded. I encourage everyone to look forward to Calabar 2026.”
Chairman of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Sports Council and founder of the Spike-It Awka Volleyball Tournament, Professor Dereck Orji, described volleyball as a rising sport in Nigeria and stressed the need to develop the university version of the game to national standards.
“There is a lot of talent on display. With more effort in recruiting players at younger levels, we will grow the sport further,” he said. “Volleyball may not be among Nigeria’s top-tier sports, but private individuals are pushing the game forward. With consistent innovation, we will get there.”
At the end of the tournament, Nasarawa State University claimed gold in the men’s category, with Tai Solarin University of Education winning silver and Obafemi Awolowo University taking bronze.
In the women’s category, Bayero University Kano emerged champions, Taraba State University finished with silver, and Nnamdi Azikiwe University secured bronze.
