The curtain has fallen on the maiden National School Volleyball Championship in Abuja, a thrilling showcase of youthful energy, teamwork, and rising talent that could shape the future of Nigerian sports.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) emerged the biggest winner, sweeping the podium with double gold in both the boys’ and girls’ categories after several days of intense competition among under-15 players from across the country.
In the boys’ division, FCT I claimed the gold medal, Kaduna State took silver, and FCT II earned bronze.
The girls’ finals turned into an all-FCT showdown, with FCT I again topping the chart and FCT II settling for silver, while Bayelsa State took bronze.
A Milestone for Grassroots Sports
The championship, which drew participants from states including Yobe, Adamawa, and Cross River, was organized to strengthen grassroots sports development and inspire early interest in volleyball among Nigerian students.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, described the event as “a foundational step toward Nigeria’s future sporting excellence.”
“We must congratulate the young boys and girls for being here,” Dikko said.
“At this level, the most important thing is participation. Our objective is to monitor your growth and provide pathways to national and international competition.”
He also revealed that the Federal Ministry of Education and NSC are finalizing a strategic framework to revitalize school sports across the country.
Talent Discovery and International Exposure
The President of the Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF), Olabisi Joseph, hailed the championship as a landmark moment for talent discovery and youth development in volleyball.
“This partnership with the Nigeria Volleyball Federation is a huge step,” she said.
“We have an abundance of talent in our school system. Sports stimulate learning, and we’re building a total child.”
She confirmed that outstanding players from the event would be shortlisted to represent Nigeria at the International School Sport Federation (ISF) World School Volleyball Championship taking place December 3–13 in China.
“It’s an opportunity for our children to showcase their talent before global scouts,” she added, thanking state governments that supported their students’ participation.
A New Era for School Sports
The successful conclusion of the tournament marks the beginning of a new era for school sports in Nigeria, giving young athletes a platform to grow, compete, and dream beyond the classroom.
As FCT’s champions hoisted their medals high, the message was clear Nigeria’s sporting future starts in its schools, and the next generation of stars is already stepping into the spotlight.
By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
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