Bayelsa, Bauchi crowned champions at national school volleyball championships in Lagos

Bayelsa and Bauchi states claimed top honours at the second National School Volleyball Championships, which concluded on Friday at the National Institute for Sports, located within the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, Sport360NG reports. 

The four-day competition brought together 28 teams from across Nigeria, featuring 10 boys’ teams and eight girls’ sides. Participating states included Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, Adamawa, Bauchi, and Bayelsa, among others.

The tournament, organised by the Nigeria School Sport Federation in collaboration with the Nigeria Volleyball Federation and backed by the Lagos State Sports Commission, served as a platform to promote grassroots sports development and encourage youth participation nationwide.

In the girls’ final, Bayelsa edged hosts Lagos in a thrilling encounter. Bayelsa dominated the opening set with a 25-14 win, but Lagos responded strongly to take the second set 25-19. The deciding set was tightly contested, with Bayelsa holding their composure to secure a 15-12 victory and lift the title.

The boys’ final also delivered drama, as Bauchi staged a comeback to defeat Lagos. The hosts took the first set 25-21, but Bauchi bounced back emphatically, winning the second set 25-12. They maintained their momentum in the final set, sealing a 15-9 win to emerge champions.

In the third-place matches, Adamawa secured bronze in the boys’ category after overcoming Ekiti, while Oyo claimed the girls’ bronze medal with victory over Ogun.

Outstanding performers from the tournament are expected to be selected to represent Nigeria at the International School Sport Federation World School Volleyball Championship, scheduled to hold in China from July 1 to 10, as part of ongoing efforts to nurture young volleyball talent in the country.