Abuja, June 4, 2026 – Women’s volleyball in Nigeria is experiencing notable progress, driven by improved player development, enhanced coaching standards, and the emergence of competitive new teams, according to volleyball official Sheba Jefferson.
Jefferson, the First Vice Chairperson of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) Referees Association and the country’s first female international volleyball referee, said the sport has evolved significantly over the years.
She noted that athletes, coaches, and team administrators have all raised their standards, contributing to the steady advancement of volleyball across the country.
According to her, the quality of officiating during the recently concluded first phase of the 2026 National Division One and Two Volleyball League was commendable, with no complaints recorded from participating teams.
She expressed satisfaction with the performance of match officials, describing the standard of officiating throughout the competition as impressive and professional.
Jefferson also highlighted the rise of teams such as Queens Amina Spikers and NY Spikers in the women’s category, describing their emergence as a positive sign for the sport.
She said the arrival of new teams demonstrates increasing participation and stronger competition among female volleyball clubs, adding that more young women are embracing sports through volleyball and creating opportunities for themselves.
The official further predicted a more intense contest in the second phase of the league, noting that several teams have made significant improvements and could challenge established sides.
She stressed that preparation, determination, endurance, and physical fitness would play crucial roles for clubs seeking qualification for the final stage of the competition.
Jefferson also revealed that new officiating procedures were introduced during the tournament and expressed confidence that referees would continue to refine their performances as the season progresses.
At the end of the first phase, Light Spikers led the men’s standings with 30 points, followed by NAF Rockets on 24 points and Wikki Spikers on 23 points.
In the women’s Division One category, Queens Amina Spikers occupied the top position with 22 points, while NY Spikers and NIS followed with 19 points each.
The 2026 NVBF Division One National League featured 11 teams, while Division Two consisted of seven teams in both the men’s and women’s categories.
The competition, which began on May 23, came to a close on Thursday at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.