Lagos Claim Double Volleyball Gold, Seal NSF Tickets
By Saheed Afolabi
Lagos State Volleyball Team have clinched the South West Zonal Elimination ticket for the 2026 National Sports Festival, claiming both the men’s and women’s volleyball titles and securing automatic qualification for the national event.
The men’s final saw how Lagos State defeated Ondo State 3–1 in a hard-fought four-set contest, winning 25–18, 24–26, 25–20, 25–20. The Lagos side raced to a 25–18 win in the opening set, only for Ondo to hit back and edge a tight second set 26–24 to level the match.
Lagos then asserted control, taking the third set 25–20 and sealing the victory with another 25–20 result in the fourth set.
The women’s final was dynamic with dramatic ending. Lagos State edged Oyo State 3–2 in a five-set thriller. Lagos opened with a 25–18 win, but Oyo responded by taking the second set 25–22. A tense third set went Lagos’s way 28–26, yet Oyo refused to fold, storming through the fourth set 25–16 to force a decider.
In the decisive fifth set, Lagos held firm and closed out the match 15–8 to claim the title. Oyo finished as runners-up.
With both titles secured, Lagos State has earned automatic tickets to represent the South West in the men’s and women’s volleyball events at the 2026 National Sports Festival.
Kayode Ladele, Chairman of the Lagos State Volleyball Association, praised the teams and confirmed the next priority, preparation for the national competition.
“We dedicate this win to the Lagos State Government, Lagos State Sports Commission and the good people of Lagos State. I thank the players and coaches for getting the job done,” he said.
“Our next focus is now to get the players ready for Enugu with the support of the Lagos State Sports Commission.”
At the last National Sports Festival held in Ogun State, the Team Lagos Men’s Volleyball Team won the gold medal, while the Women’s Volleyball Team finished with the bronze medal.
