Abia State Government says its volleyball team has returned to the Nigeria Volleyball Premier League after 23 years of relegation, describing the achievement as a milestone in its drive to revive sports development across the state.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this at Government House Umuahia, on Monday while briefing Journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council Meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Prince Kanu said the team earned promotion after an impressive outing in the first phase of the Nigeria Volleyball Premier League held in Abuja and is now preparing for the second phase of the competition scheduled for the coming months.
He said the achievement underscores the Otti led administration’s commitment to repositioning sports, nurturing young talents and creating opportunities for athletes to excel.
“Abia State Volleyball Team is currently participating in the Nigeria Volleyball Premier League after 23 years of relegation.
“Team Abia performed outstandingly well in the just-covered phase one of the Premier League competition held in Abuja.
“They are currently preparing for the second phase that is scheduled to be held in a few months’ time”, Prince Kanu said.
He added that the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, in partnership with Dreamland Football Academy, recently organised the second edition of the Abia State Dreamland Under-19 Cup Tournament as part of efforts to discover and develop football talents.
According to him, six outstanding players identified during the tournament have already been scouted for professional football careers through the academy’s foreign partners and are expected to join clubs in Europe.
The commissioner also announced that Abia Angels Football Club had qualified for the Nigeria Women’s Football League Super Six for the first time in the club’s history.
He said the club was currently undergoing restructuring to strengthen its competitiveness ahead of the 2026/2027 Nigeria Women’s Football League season.
“Abia Angels football club, the state’s premier female football club has qualified for the Super Six.
