The ongoing 3rd Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS)–CGC Volleyball Premier League in Abuja has received a major lift after five Nigerian players based abroad returned to compete, bringing with them international club know-how that is sharpening the level of rivalry across the competition.
Godspower Odedede, chairman of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) Media Committee, said the impact of the returnees is already showing up in tangible improvements to how the league is being played.
“These players have worked under different coaching approaches, tactical frameworks, training routines, and professional footballing environments,” Odedede said. “Their involvement in the Nigerian league not only puts their skills on display, but also supports the transfer of knowledge and experience that is vital for strengthening home-based talent.”
The players returning to action include Oforah Izuchukwu Nwachukwu from Beach & Park VB in San Marino, Pascal Ozokoye of Odbojkaski Klub Nis in Serbia, Vincent Mathias of Montpellier HSC VB in France, Samuel Ogwuche from Al Shabab Volleyball Club in Bahrain, and Moses Ndana, who has built his experience in Morocco with FUS VC of Rabat.
Odedede added that the change can be seen from game to game, with clubs showing more discipline, better on-court coordination, and improved technical execution.
“The standard of play has been impressive,” he said. “We are seeing more tactical matches—games are becoming tighter, more competitive, and more entertaining. The league no longer looks like predictable results or a situation where only a small set of clubs dominate proceedings.”
He highlighted the recent 3-1 loss suffered by former champions CNS Spikers against VIP & Partners Volleyball Club as evidence of the shift taking place.
“That outcome carried a clear message throughout the league that established teams can’t assume victory anymore,” Odedede said. “It also mirrors a wider development in Nigerian volleyball, where the distance between long-standing clubs and rising challengers is steadily closing.”
Looking at the competition’s broader importance, Odedede said the league’s increasing international pull is also sending a positive signal to potential investors and sponsors.
“When a league can attract players linked to teams in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, it indicates that something meaningful is underway,” he said. “This expanding global outlook places Nigerian volleyball within a wider international conversation.”
Despite that momentum, Odedede pointed to two urgent issues—visibility and corporate sponsorship—saying that many Nigerians still remain unaware of the league despite the quality of volleyball being produced in Abuja.
“The league has everything needed to draw a bigger crowd, but those stories must be shared more effectively,” he said, calling on league officials, clubs, and media professionals to intensify social media activity, publish match highlights, and promote player profiles to boost public interest.
