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The National Volleyball Division One and Division Two League, featuring 34 teams from 22 states, has kicked off in Umuahia, Abia State, with the Ajase-Ipo Volleyball Team of Kwara defeating Adamawa 25–18, 28–27, 25–15 in Division One on Friday.
The National Volleyball League, which features both male and female categories, is sponsored by the Abia State Government and includes teams from Abia, Sokoto, Ekiti, Katsina, Adamawa, Kwara, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Plateau, and other states.
At the end of the league matches, two teams from the National Volleyball Division Two will gain promotion to Division One, while the bottom two teams in Division One will be relegated. Similarly, the top two teams from Division One will be promoted to the Nigerian Volleyball Premier League, while the bottom two teams in the Premier League will be relegated.
Speaking to journalists during the kickoff at the Umuahia Township Stadium, the 2nd Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Volleyball Referees Association, Mohammed Mohammed, assured that the National Volleyball League would witness fair officiating but cautioned players against misconduct and disrespect toward referees.
He thanked the Abia State Government for sponsoring the league.
Also speaking at the event, the Abia State Director of Sports, Obioma George, said the state has successfully hosted more than fifteen national and international sporting events within one year. He attributed the success to the policies of Governor Alex Otti and the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Nwaobilor Ananaba.
He added that the Abia State female volleyball team, which had lost its glory before the current administration came on board, is now second on the table. He assured all participating teams of maximum safety throughout the tournament.
Adamawa loses to Kwara as National Volleyball League begins in Umuahia
