By Kenneth Madaki
As part of efforts to align its domestic competitions with the international volleyball calendar, the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) has adopted an October-to-May league calendar beginning from next season.
The President of the federation, Musa Nimrod, disclosed this on Saturday at the end of the first phase of the 2026 National Premier Volleyball League in Abuja.
According to him, the new calendar will enable foreign-based Nigerian players to honour their club commitments abroad while remaining available for national assignments.
“We have informed all clubs that our season will now start in October and end in May. That is the international standard and it will reduce scheduling challenges, especially for our foreign-based players,” he said.
Nimrod said the League Management Committee had been directed to conclude the Super Cup and the first phase of the Premier League before the end of each year to ease fixture congestion.
He added that the decision also considered the 2027 general elections, which could affect sporting activities across the country.
“We must plan ahead because 2027 is an election year. If we fail to prepare early, it will affect our competitions,” he said.
Nimrod also said preparations had commenced for the Zone 3 Beach Volleyball African Nations Cup qualifiers scheduled for July 3 to July 7 in Badagry, Lagos State.