Light Spikers have stamped themselves as the team to beat in the 2026 National Division One Volleyball League after finishing the first phase top of the men’s standings, while QAT Spikers led the women’s table at the halfway point. Both sides entered the break with strong momentum, setting up a tense second stanza where promotion and survival are now on the line.
The opening stanza took place at MKO Abiola National Stadium, Package B, Abuja.
Quick facts
- Light Spikers topped the men’s standings with 30 points after winning all 10 first-phase matches.
- QAT Spikers led the women’s standings on 22 points at the halfway mark.
- NAF Rockets finished second in the men’s race with 24 points; Wikki Spikers were third with 23.
- Rhino Spikers were men’s fourth with 21 points and pushed Light Spikers in the highlight match before losing.
- Teams from Ekiti, Bayelsa and Adamawa were absent in the first phase and could face relegation if they miss the second stanza.
In the men’s competition, Light Spikers made a statement by collecting maximum points from all 10 matches, finishing the first phase on 30. Their dominance allowed them to sit comfortably above the rest of the field heading into the next stage.
NAF Rockets secured runner-up spot with eight wins and 24 points, while Wikki Spikers also ended with eight victories to claim third place on 23. Rhino Spikers rounded out the top four with 21 points.
Kada Kings completed the first phase in fifth place with six points. Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and Sword Spikers followed in sixth and seventh respectively, each collecting five points. Katsina United and Adamawa Spikers finished eighth and ninth with three and two points, while Kwara and Bayelsa teams did not take part in the opening phase.
Women’s standings at the break
QAT Spikers led the women’s division with 22 points as the halfway point ended. NY Spikers were second on 19, matching the total of Nigeria Immigration Service in third. Plateau Queens sat fourth with 16 points, while Caliphate Spikers and Ace Spikers finished fifth and sixth, scoring 14 and nine points respectively.
Across the women’s and men’s structures, the league also flagged that clubs from Ekiti, Bayelsa and Adamawa were absent during the first phase. They are set to face relegation should they fail to show up for the second stanza.
Results before the break
Several matches shaped the final picture before the league paused. Sword Spikers defeated Adamawa Spikers 3-0, winning 25-21, 25-21 and 27-25. NAF Rockets also swept Katsina United 3-0 with scores of 25-23, 25-11 and 25-14.
Kada Kings delivered a tighter contest, overcoming Nigeria Immigration Service 3-1. They took the first 25-21, dropped the second 22-25, then responded with 25-21 and 25-22 to close out the match.
The most talked-about fixture featured Light Spikers and Rhino Spikers, with Light Spikers rallying from behind to win 3-1. After going down in the opening set 15-25, they took control by winning the next three sets 25-17, 25-18 and 25-23, maintaining their unbeaten run.
Praise for the competition
Navy Captain Mark Abachi, chairman of the Control Committee, called the edition one of the most successful in recent years. He pointed to the overall standard of teams and players displayed during the first phase.
Abachi also commended the Nigeria Volleyball Federation, led by Engr Musa Nimrod, for keeping logistics and operations running smoothly throughout the tournament.
“The quality of teams and players discovered has been impressive. Clubs now have everything to play for in the second phase, whether it is promotion or survival. We also experienced smooth officiating and logistics throughout the competition thanks to the support provided by the federation,” he said.
Light Spikers head coach Uthman Mohammed said he was pleased with the unbeaten stretch but insisted there is still plenty to improve. He noted the team dropped only three sets across the entire first phase.
Mohammed added that the final meeting against Rhino Spikers was expected to be difficult due to the rivalry between the two sides. He praised his players for reacting after losing the first set, turning the match around with strong follow-up performances.
“We are grateful for what we have achieved so far, but we cannot relax. Rhino Spikers pushed us hard and showed why they are one of the strongest teams in the league. We must reinforce the squad, work harder in training and correct our mistakes before the second phase,” he said.
Nigeria’s first female international volleyball referee, Sheba Jefferson, welcomed the sport’s growth. She highlighted improved standards across players, coaches, team managers and officials, and praised the officiating quality during the first phase.
Jefferson also pointed to the rising involvement of women in volleyball and predicted that the second stanza will be even more competitive as more teams raise their levels.
