Coach Bala Ibrahim of Life Camp men’s Volleyball Club of Abuja says his team has drawn valuable lessons from its opening match in the ongoing 2025 Nigeria Volleyball Federation Super Cup, in spite of the straight-sets defeat suffered on Monday.

Life Camp Volleyball Club lost 0-3 (21–25, 18–25, 23–25) to Nigeria Customs Service Volleyball Club in their first match of the competition at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

Mr Ibrahim, on Monday, described the encounter as a tough contest, noting that the outcome was not totally unexpected.

“It was a serious battle, but the result was expected. We are coming from Division One and played against a very strong Premier League side. For us, this match is a learning experience,” he said.

The coach explained that the game had exposed areas requiring improvement, particularly in strengthening the squad ahead of future encounters.

“This match has opened our eyes to the amount of work we need to do. It will also help us identify one or two players to strengthen the team so that when we meet them again, they will notice clear improvements,” he said.

He also described the team’s preparation for the Super Cup as average, attributing the challenge largely to financial constraints.

“Preparation has been average because funding remains a major issue. Often, there are plans for camping, but they do not materialise. Without proper camping, team cohesion suffers, and players rely more on individual skills,” he said.

He called on stakeholders to provide greater financial support for volleyball development, noting that improved funding would enhance preparation and overall performance.

Mr Ibrahim expressed optimism ahead of the club’s next fixture, stating that the team remained determined to secure a positive result.

Life Camp Volleyball Club will face Defence Spikers Volleyball Club on Wednesday at noon, while Nigeria Customs Service Volleyball Club is scheduled to play Defence Spikers Volleyball Club on Tuesday at 4:00 p.m.

Six clubs are competing in the men’s category from the premier league: Chief of Naval Staff VC, Nigeria Customs Service VC and Nigeria Correctional Service VC, while Defence Spikers Volleyball Club, Ajase Ipo Volleyball Club of Ilorin and Life Camp Volleyball Club are from Division 1.

The 2025 NVBF Super Cup officially began on Monday and will end on Sunday at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, with 12 clubs competing in the men’s and women’s categories.