National News – The Bayelsa and Bauchi state school teams have emerged champions at the second National School Volleyball Championships held in Lagos, Nigeria, between April 21 and 24, 2026, at the National Institute for Sports, Surulere.
The tournament, organised by the Nigeria School Sport Federation in partnership with the Nigeria Volleyball Federation and supported by the Lagos State Sports Commission, featured 28 teams from across the country.
Bayelsa won the girls’ category while Bauchi clinched the boys’ title, following intense final matches watched by officials, students, and local supporters.
The event showcased rising youth talent and strengthened grassroots sports development in Nigeria.
In the girls’ final, Bayelsa overcame host Lagos in a tightly contested encounter. After taking the first set 25–14, they lost momentum as Lagos fought back 25–19 in the second.
However, Bayelsa regained composure in the deciding set, edging it 15–12 to secure the gold medal.
In the boys’ category, Bauchi demonstrated resilience against Lagos, who initially led with a 25–21 win.
Bauchi responded emphatically with a 25–12 second set and maintained pressure to close the final set 15–9.
These results highlight the growing competitiveness of school volleyball across Nigeria’s regions especially between southern and northern states.
Stakeholders in Nigerian school sports described the tournament as a significant step for grassroots talent discovery, with coaches noting improved technical skills and tactical awareness among students.
Local spectators in Lagos praised the high level of competition and expressed optimism that such events will reduce the gap between school sports and national teams.
The Nigeria School Sport Federation confirmed that selected players from both categories will represent Nigeria at the International School Sport Federation World School Volleyball Championship scheduled for July 1 to 10 in China.
Analysts believe the victories of Bayelsa and Bauchi reflect regional investment in school sports and could encourage further government and private sector support.
The championship is expected to serve as a pipeline for future national volleyball stars, strengthening Nigeria’s presence in international youth competitions moving forward nationally.
