Sheba Jefferson, First Vice Chairperson of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) Referees Association and a member of the Control Committee, says volleyball in Nigeria has recorded significant growth in recent years.
Jefferson, who is the Nigeria’s first female international volleyball referee, made this known on Thursday in Abuja .
She said players, coaches and team managers had shown remarkable improvement compared to previous years.
“Volleyball has grown tremendously from what we used to see in the past.
“The players have developed themselves, the coaches have improved, and the team managers have also become more professional in their approach,” she said.
She commended the standard of officiating at the just concluded 2026 National Division One and Two Volleyball League phase one tournaments.
Jefferson said there had been no complaints from teams regarding officiating throughout the first phase of the competition.
“Officiating has been superb throughout the competition. There have been no issues concerning officiating, and that is something I am very happy about,” she said.
Speaking on the women’s category, she described the emergence of teams such as Queens Amina Spikers and NY Spikers as a positive development.
According to her, the rise of new teams reflects growing participation and competitiveness in women’s volleyball in Nigeria.
“It is a good development. Young women are beginning to embrace sports and are finding meaningful opportunities through volleyball.
“As an advocate for women, I am particularly excited about the progress being made by the new teams,” she added.
Jefferson expressed optimism that the second phase of the league would be more competitive than the first.
She said several teams had improved significantly and could spring surprises in the next stage of the competition.
“I believe the second phase will not be business as usual. There will be many surprises because the teams are determined and are preparing very well,” she said.
“Preparation, determination and endurance will be key factors for teams aiming to qualify for the final phase.
“Preparation matters, and coaches must continue to work on the endurance and overall fitness of their players,” she said.
“With the right approach, many of these teams can reach the final phase,” she added.
Jefferson also said new officiating guidelines had been introduced during the competition.
She expressed confidence that referees would continue to improve and refine their performance in the second phase of the league.
“We have introduced some new officiating procedures and have already started applying them.
“By the grace of God, we will continue to improve and perfect our performance in the second phase,” she added.
The report states that Light Spikers finished the first phase with 30 points to top the standings.
NAF Rockets placed second with 24 points, while Wikki Spikers finished third with 23 points.
In the women’s division one Queens Amina volleyball club top the table with 22 points, NY Spikers with 19 points for second place and NIS with 19 points for third place.
The 2026 NVBF Division One National League featured 11 teams, while Division Two comprised seven teams each in the men’s and women’s categories.
The championship, which commenced on May 23, concluded on Thursday at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium,