Lagos state has become the centre of youth sports development as 13 states converge for the second edition of the National Secondary Schools Volleyball Championship.
Eko Hot News reports that the competition, organised by the National School Sports Federation (NSSF), is currently taking place at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, drawing participation from secondary schools across Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the National Treasurer of the NSSF, Mr. Godwin Atagbe, commended the Lagos State Government for its strong support and commitment to the successful hosting of the championship.
He noted that Lagos has consistently demonstrated leadership in sports development by providing an enabling environment for young athletes to thrive and showcase their talents.
According to Atagbe, the championship is strategically designed to identify and nurture young volleyball talents at the grassroots level, particularly within secondary schools.
He explained that the initiative serves as a pipeline for discovering promising athletes who can represent Nigeria in future national and international competitions.
This year’s edition features participation from 13 states, with Lagos State presenting a strong contingent of eight male and eight female teams drawn from both public and private secondary schools.
The presence of multiple teams from Lagos reflects the state’s dedication to grassroots sports and its commitment to inclusive participation across educational institutions.
Atagbe further revealed that the competition also serves as a qualifying platform for international exposure, as the top two teams will represent Nigeria at the International School Volleyball Championship.
The international event is scheduled to take place in Shangluo, People’s Republic of China, from July 1 to July 10, offering young athletes an opportunity to compete on a global stage.
He emphasised that beyond competition, the championship aims to instill discipline, teamwork, and excellence among participating students, preparing them for future success both in sports and academics.
Also speaking during a visit to the venue, the Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Lekan Fatodu, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the development of all sports in the state.
Fatodu stated that Lagos remains focused on promoting mass participation in sports, ensuring that young talents are given opportunities to grow and excel in their chosen disciplines.
He added that the state government continues to invest in sports infrastructure, training programmes, and partnerships that support youth engagement and athletic development.
According to him, initiatives like the volleyball championship are essential in building a strong foundation for Nigeria’s future sports champions.
Participants, coaches, and officials have also expressed excitement over the organisation and standard of the tournament, noting that it provides a valuable platform for exposure and growth.
The championship continues to attract attention from sports stakeholders, educators, and talent scouts who are keen on identifying emerging stars in volleyball.
As the competition progresses, expectations remain high for thrilling performances and the emergence of standout players who could shape the future of the sport in Nigeria.
The Lagos State Government’s role in hosting the event further reinforces its position as a leading hub for sports development and youth empowerment in the country.
With strong participation and growing interest, the National Secondary Schools Volleyball Championship is steadily becoming a key fixture in Nigeria’s school sports calendar.
