By Oluwademilade Ogunleye and Mahbubat Salahudeen
The 7th edition of the “Let’s Dig It” Volleyball Tournament, organized by the Spike Rangers Volleyball Club, kicked off on May 2nd 2025 at the University of Ibadan volleyball court.
This year’s tournament marked a historic shift as it spanned two full days for the first time since inception and witnessed a large turnout of fans, solidifying its status as the biggest volleyball competition in Oyo State.
The Spike Rangers Volleyball Club, founded in 2015 and based in the University of Ibadan, has consistently championed the growth of volleyball in the region. Comprising both students and non-students, the club has organized the “Let’s Dig It” tournament annually for the past seven years. Despite its growing prominence, awareness of the competition has remained limited outside the volleyball community.
Notable Increase In Female Participation
This year’s edition which is to run from May 2nd through 3rd, saw a significant increase in participation, particularly among female teams. For the first time, six female teams competed — up from three in previous editions — a development aimed at bridging the gender gap in the sport.
“Our goal is to have an equal number of male and female teams in the tournament,” Mr. Ifetade, president of Spike Rangers and coach of the University of Ibadan (UI) Volleyball Team, Said.
A total of 15 teams participated in this year’s tournament — 9 male teams and 6 female teams. The male teams were split into two groups (four in one, five in the other), while the female teams were divided evenly into two groups of three.
Participating teams included volleyball powerhouses such as Eleyele Volleyball Club, Mokola Barracks, Team UCH, Team UI, Komo Spikers, the Nigerian Airforce team, and the host club, Spike Rangers — which fielded two teams to accommodate all members.
UI Team Clinch Two Wins, Fall Short in Two
In the men’s category, the UI Volleyball Team had a mixed run, winning two matches against Team UCH and the Nigerian Airforce with straight sets but falling short against Team Oyo (Akin-Tailor) and Komo Spikers.
According to the Captain of the UI Volleyball team, Oluwatosin, the team’s greatest challenge had to be the poor planning for the team on the part of the school management.
“We’ve had to deal with limited support from the school management. We didn’t even have an official team ball and had to scramble to get our jerseys on the day of the competition.”
Impressive Turnout Despite ‘Organizational Hitch’
Despite minor organizational hitches, the tournament enjoyed favorable weather, a large turnout, and intense competition across all matches. Mr. Ifetade expressed his gratitude for the clear skies and enthusiasm of the teams, noting that the tournament continues to draw players and supporters from across the state.
The inspiration behind the tournament, according to Mr. Ifetade, stems from the passion he and his friend, Mr. Gazhal, shared for volleyball. Mr. Ghazal initially founded the club while Dr. Ifetade was away on an academic posting, and upon Mr. Gazhal’s departure abroad, Dr. Ifetade took on the role of president of the club.
Spike Rangers Contribution to UI Volleyball Growth
Over the years, Spike Rangers Volleyball Club has made substantial contributions to the sport in Ibadan, including the renovation of the University of Ibadan volleyball court and the installation of floodlights, all self-funded by club members.
Eleyele Spikers, Komo Warriors, Team Oyo and hosts, Spike Rangers Football club all confirmed qualifications to the knockouts as Team UI fell short in their group.
The knockouts are scheduled to be held on the 3rd of May 2025 at the University of Ibadan Volleyball Court and winners would be awarded medals.
