Team Bauchi Crowned Champions of National School Volleyball Championship in Lagos; Bayelsa Win Female Category

Posted : 26 April 2026

Team Bauchi has emerged as the champions of the male category of the National School Volleyball Championship held at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Lagos, after they overpowered Team Lagos 2–1 in an exciting final.

Bauchi won with set scores of 25–21, 25–12, and 15–9, demonstrating superior coordination and attacking strength. The victory confirmed Bauchi’s dominance as they outplayed Lagos to claim the title.

In the female category, Team Bayelsa also defeated Lagos 2–1 in the final of the second National School Volleyball Championship in Lagos, winning 25–14, 19–25, and 15–12. The final was held at the Nigeria Institute of Sport Hall, National Stadium, Lagos.

Bayelsa secured an impressive win in a keenly contested match, with both sides showing determination, but Bayelsa proved more clinical at decisive moments. The Bayelsa side dominated the early exchanges with strong serves, coordinated teamwork, and effective attacking play, setting the tone for a gripping encounter.

Bayelsa captain Karina Stephen described the victory as a wonderful experience after a fiercely contested final.

“I am very happy we defeated Lagos. It was tough, but we are glad we overcame them,” she said.

The coach, Jeffery Omoruyi, praised his team’s performance and development after the hard-fought victory.

“Playing Lagos was good because of their strong youth development programmes. They are very mobile, but we still secured the win,” he said.

He admitted his side faced challenges, particularly against Lagos’ strong defensive play.

“They defended better than us at times, but we held on to secure victory,” Omoruyi added.

He described the squad as a developing team, noting that their experience in youth competitions has been key to their progress.

“My team is developing. They have come through the youth games,” he said.

President of the Nigerian Olympic Committee, Abu Gumel, described the tournament as an excellent grassroots development platform.

“I am satisfied with the organisation and participation. It will help groom future champions,” he said.

He stressed that grassroots sports remain vital for sustaining Nigeria’s presence at global competitions.

“This development is important because it focuses on nurturing future champions at the grassroots,” Gumel added.

He commended the School Sports Federation of Nigeria for organising the championship, noting that it would strengthen the sports structure.

According to Gumel, volleyball is making steady progress, attributing its growth to increased support for school sports programmes.

“I am pleased with volleyball’s direction and encourage sustained investment in grassroots competitions,” he said.

President of the Nigeria School Sports Federation, Olabisi Joseph, described the championship as exciting and impactful.

“It has been amazing. We saw skills, joy, interaction, and friendships among teams from Bayelsa, Bauchi, Adamawa, and Lagos,” she said.

She noted the competition’s growth, with 28 teams participating this year compared to 21 last year, adding that the increased participation significantly raised the level of competition.

Joseph also said Nigeria Volleyball Federation officials commended the quality of play as a strong foundation for talent development.

She emphasized the importance of exposing young athletes to competition, noting that some participants visited Lagos for the first time.

She added that the event provided both sporting and educational experiences for the students.

Outstanding players will be selected to represent Nigeria at the ISF World School Volleyball Championship in China from July 1 to July 10.

Joseph recalled that Nigeria finished seventh at the last edition and expressed optimism about improved performance this time.

She urged corporate bodies, governments, and Nigerians to support school sports development.

“Sports instill discipline, teamwork, and offer careers in journalism, medicine, administration, and business. Sustained support will help curb social vices and nurture athletes capable of representing Nigeria internationally,” she said.

Team Bauchi Crowned Champions of National School Volleyball Championship in Lagos; Bayelsa Win Female Category

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