Round 10 of the Mizuno League will be played on the weekend of Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th January , with exciting matches in both the women's and men's divisions.
We at 90minutefamily would like to congratulate Førde VBK as winners of the Norwegian Championship for women and BK Tromsø as winners of the men's Cup Final 2026! And an extra congratulations to Emilie Olimstad (Førde) and Tomas Liepa (BK Tromsø) who were named MVP in the finals. Both delivered top-class performances in their respective cup finals.
Saturday, January 24
Women – Mizuno League
- TVN – Randaberg at 13:00 (will not write about this match considering TVN is not playing the full series)
Men – Mizuno League
- NTNUI – Øksil at 1:00 PM
- OSI – BK Tromsø at 1:30 PM
- TVN – Randaberg at 16:00 (will not write about this match considering TVN does not play the full series
Sunday, January 25
Women – Mizuno League
- Volda – NTNUI at 1:00 PM
- TIF Viking – Førde at 1:30 PM
- Koll – Oslo Volley at 4:00 PM
Men – Mizuno League
- Koll – BK Tromsø at 13:00
- TIF Viking – Førde at 16:00
The Gentlemen Saturday, January 24
NTNUI – Axe
Match time: 13:00
NTNUI started the year with a 2–3 loss at home to Koll. What is worth noting in this match is that Mizuno League's top scorer Sigurd Festøy was not in the team for NTNUI. Nevertheless, the team managed to secure a point against Koll, who are described as "the locomotive of all of Norway.".
Currently, NTNUI is in sixth place in the Mizuno League, and there is still a good chance to climb a few places in the table, as long as they do their job. They are very well placed to qualify for the playoffs, provided they can keep Øksil behind them.
For Øksil, this is a key match in the fight for a playoff spot. They are currently in seventh place in the Mizuno League and need to pick up points to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Øksil started the year with a 1–3 loss away to the newly crowned Norwegian champions BK Tromsø two weeks ago. Øksil played a good match, took the first set and challenged BK Tromsø hard in the second set. However, perhaps there was a bit too much focus on the refereeing decisions on Øksil's part?
The question heading into this match is whether Øksil will field a full squad.
NTNUI – last three matches in the Mizuno League
- NTNUI – Group 2-3
- NTNUI – BK Tromsø 1-3
- NTNUI – Randaberg 3-0
Øksil – last three matches in the Mizuno League
- BK Tromsø – Øksil 3-1
- Axe – OSI 3-0
- Øksil – Randaberg 3-0
With a win here, Øksil can sign up for the play-offs. We can therefore expect Øksil to go out with full intensity from the start, trying to control the match and get it into their own playing pattern. The team will probably emphasize aggressive serving, high tempo and exploit any weaknesses in NTNUI's reception.
NTNUI at home is always a tough nut to crack for all teams in the Mizuno League. After a 2–3 loss last weekend, NTNUI will probably be frustrated, but at the same time very motivated. The team wants to show off to their home crowd, deliver good volleyball and take all the points with them.
Prediction: NTNUI wins (3-1)
OSI – BK Tromsø
Match time: 1:30 PM
OSI enters the new year knowing that they are in a bad position to stay in the Mizuno League. Therefore, the team was at a training camp in Denmark around New Year's, to be as well prepared as possible for the last part of the season and the fight to avoid relegation. Unfortunately, Anders Clifford suffered an injury already in the first training at the camp. OSI hopes that he will soon be back in action considering that he is the point picker with 12.3 points per game so far this season.
For OSI, it will be important to take advantage of the home field advantage, as all four points the team has picked up this season have come at home.
Last weekend, BK Tromsø won 3–0 in the cup final against Førde, and they come into this weekend full of confidence. It is said in the north that Tromsø also has ambitions to win the series. So it will be exciting to see how they attack the match against OSI, especially considering that they meet Koll on Sunday. Maybe we will see rotation from BK Tromsø during the match, or will they choose to take one match at a time? One player people need to keep an eye on in this match is Toms Liepa who is the point scorer for BK Tromsø with 19.8 points per match.
OSI – last three matches in the Mizuno League
- OSI – Førde 2-3
- OSI – NTNUI 1-3
- OSI – Koll
BK Tromsø – last three matches in the Mizuno League
- BK Tromsø – Førde 3-0 Cup
- BK Tromsø – Øksil 3-1
- BK Tromsø – Koll 3-2
Match picture
This could quickly become a match where OSI will have to take risks and play on the margins, while BK Tromsø will control the pace, trust their team's performance and keep grinding. OSI desperately needs points, while Tromsø is chasing stability and moving forward towards the league title. This makes for a match with a high level of tension, especially in the first set of the match.
Prediction: BK Tromsø wins (3-1)
Sunday, January 25th, the women
Volda – NTNUI – relegation drama
Match time: 13:00
Volda started 2026 with a 1–3 loss away to Førde two weeks ago. It is worth noting that Edna Vladislavova was not available for Volda in that match. Nevertheless, it was a good performance by the team to take a set against a strong Førde team.
Volda is currently in the relegation battle, but fortunately for Volda, this year's Mizuno League for women is very even. This means that the team still has a good chance of both securing a place and fighting their way into the playoffs. To succeed in that, Volda must pick up points at home, and especially in the matches against the teams around them in the table.
NTNUI started 2026 with a clear 0–3 loss at home against Koll. It was a lead-heavy result for NTNUI, who are currently last in the Mizuno League and are dependent on starting to pick up points quickly to stay in the league.
For NTNUI, a tough match schedule awaits, and therefore the match away against Volda this weekend will be extra important. NTNUI should preferably get at least two points from this match. Otherwise, the situation could quickly look very difficult in the fight for further play in the Mizuno League.
Volda – last three matches in the Mizuno League
- Forde – Volda 3-1
- Volda – Oslo Volleyball 1-3
- Volda – Group 2-3
NTNUI – last three matches in the Mizuno League
- NTNUI – Group 0-3
- NTNUI – Axil 0-3
- NTNUI – Førde 0-3
The fight to avoid relegation
This match is of great importance for both teams in the fight to stay in the Mizuno League. This is simply a key match in the relegation battle.
The big question heading into the match is whether Edna Vladislavova is back for Volda. That will mean a lot for a Volda team that has delivered several strong results against the top teams this season. At the same time, the question remains whether they can perform as consistently when facing the teams around them in the table.
For NTNUI, they opened the season with a 3–1 win against Volda. The question is whether we will see the same performance this time. It will be absolutely necessary if NTNUI is to take points from the away game in Volda.
This could easily be a showdown where performances fluctuate, precisely because the match means so much to both teams. Nerves, risk and intensity will characterize the match.
I think Volda will be able to take advantage of the home field advantage and ultimately claim victory in a match characterized by both high peaks and deep valleys.
Prediction: Volda wins (3-1)
TIF Viking – Førde – the western derby on the women's side
Match time: 1:30 PM
TIF Viking welcomes newly crowned Norwegian champions Førde, who also lead the Mizuno League, for their second match in 2026. This will be an exciting top match after TIF Viking opened the year with a 3–0 victory over Randaberg (25–20, 25–18, 25–23).
It seems that TIF Viking has found its way back to the 2024–2025 season form, where the team won the "triple trump". Viking is currently in third place, but has only played six games. In comparison, Koll and Førde, who are at the top of the table, have played nine and eight games respectively. This means that TIF Viking still has a very good chance of competing for the league championship this season as well. And with Grethe Tuft Soltvedt and Jenny Juliebø in form, the teams in the Mizuno League should watch out for TIF Viking in the last part of the 2025-2026 season
The Førde women have had a strong season so far in 2025–2026, and the team got off to a fantastic start to the new year with a solid 3–1 win at home against Volda two weeks ago. The victory confirmed the good form Førde has shown throughout the season, where they have established themselves at the top of the Mizuno League.
Last weekend, it was crowned with cup gold, when Førde beat Øksil 3–0 in the final. Førde had good control throughout the match and showed both breadth and experience in crucial moments.
The final was led by captain Emilie Olimstad, who delivered a brilliant performance with a total of 16 points. Her efforts earned her the award as MVP of the cup final. Førde showed that they are a team that combines individual quality with strong team play.
With cup gold in their bag and a solid league season so far, Førde has now turned their full focus towards fighting for the league championship in the 2025–2026 Mizuno League.
TIF Viking – last three matches in the Mizuno League
- TIF Viking – Randaberg 3-0
- TVN – TIF Viking 0–3
- Randaberg – TIF Viking 2–3
Førde – last three matches in the Mizuno League
- Forde – Volda 3-1
- Førde – Oslo Volley 3–0
- NTNUI – Førde 0–3
What can we expect in this western derby?
There is great excitement heading into this match as Førde comes into the match with a slight "hangover" after last weekend's cup triumph. Especially when it is TIF Viking on the other side of the volleyball net, a team that is sure to be very eager for revenge after the 1–3 loss in the cup semi-final against Førde, after a very exciting and even match.
TIF Viking will be determined to fight back, while Førde may face challenges if they have not managed to completely reset after last weekend. With a home crowd behind them and good form, Viking seems well equipped for the task.
Prediction: TIF Viking wins (3–1).
Koll – Oslo Volley – the first Oslo derby of the year
Match time: 16:00
Koll started 2026 in a very strong way with an impressive 3–0 win away to NTNUI in Trondheim. The victory confirmed the good level Koll has shown throughout much of the season, and they are now well placed to be in the fight for the league championship in the 2025–2026 Mizuno League. With stability in their performances and good results against the teams around them in the table, Koll has established itself as a clear medal candidate.
Oslo Volley has not played any league matches since the New Year and thus enters this Oslo derby with the risk of being somewhat battle-weary. The question is how well Oslo Volley has utilized the Christmas break, after a somewhat variable first part of the season.
Currently, Oslo Volley is in fourth place, and they are well positioned to secure a playoff spot. At the same time, the results in the matches against the top teams will be decisive for whether they can get involved in the medal game or have to concentrate on defending their playoff spot.
Koll – last three matches in the Mizuno League
- NTNUI – Group 0-3
- TVN – Koll 3-1
- Randaberg – Koll 3-0
Oslo Volley – last three matches in the Mizuno League
- Volda – Oslo Volleyball 1-3
- Førde – Oslo Volley 3-0
- Oslo Volley – Førde 0-3
Who can call themselves Oslo's best volleyball team?
The big question heading into the Oslo derby is whether Oslo Volley is ready to play, considering it has been over a month since they played their last league match. Lack of games can go either way, and it will be interesting to see if Oslo Volley has used the break well to build form and rhythm.
Koll, on the other hand, seems to have found their way back after two losses before Christmas. With a strong win under their belt, they will likely go all out from the start, set a high pace and test Oslo Volley immediately.
The question is whether Oslo Volley can withstand the pressure at the start of the match, or whether Koll can get the match they want. If Koll can gain control early, this could be a tough night for Oslo Volley.
I think Koll's form and pace will be decisive, and that they will take the victory in an intense and entertaining derby.
Prediction: Koll wins (3-0)
Sunday, January 25th, gentlemen
Koll – BK Tromsø – who can call themselves “The Lokomotiv of All Norway”?
Match time: 13:00
After Koll's European adventure in November, the strain has probably cost the team a lot of energy. In addition, several key players suffered injuries, which had consequences for the results towards the end of the autumn season. Thus, the Christmas break came in handy for Koll, who seems to have used it well. Players have returned from injury, and the team started the year strongly with a 3–2 win away against NTNUI.
BK Tromsø come into this match as newly crowned Norwegian champions, and with one match already in their legs after the match against OSI on Saturday. For Tromsø it will be important to manage their energy properly, and the hope is that they manage to save some energy for this match. At the same time, it is natural to ask how much the cup weekend has also cost them physically and mentally.
Everything is set for an exciting Sunday match between rivals Koll and BK Tromsø.
Koll – last three matches in the Mizuno League
- NTNUI – Group 2-3
- TVN – Collection 1-3
- Randaberg 3-0
BK Tromsø – last three matches in the Mizuno League
- BK Tromsø – Førde 3-0 Cup
- BK Tromsø – Øksil 3-1
- BK Tromsø – Koll 3-2
The top match in the Mizuno League
Here you can expect a very entertaining match, with lots of good volleyball, spectacular defensive actions and attacks that really smell of burning. Both teams have high intensity in their game and are willing to go far for each point, which often results in long exchanges and a high tempo. The matches between these teams have previously been even and dramatic this season, and it is certainly possible that we will get another five-setter. Much will be decided by serve pressure, the ability to stand on defense and who handles the decisive points best. And I think Koll will not make the same mistake that Førde made in last weekend's cup final, by not blocking Petter Østvik when he attacked behind the three-meter line in one.
Prediction: BK Tromsø wins (3-2)
TIF Viking – Førde – the western derby on the men's side
Match time: 16:00
TIF Viking was at a training camp in the Netherlands last weekend to be as well prepared as possible for the last part of the Mizuno League. The team has already opened the year with a home match against Randaberg, where they won comfortably 3–0. This gives a clear signal that TIF Viking looks well prepared for this Westland derby, both physically and mentally.
Førde, on the other hand, is coming off a heavy 0–3 loss in the cup final against BK Tromsø last weekend. The question heading into this match is whether Førde has managed to reset themselves mentally after the brutal final loss. There is also uncertainty surrounding the status of key player Martin Omlidstad, who played with heavy taping around his entire right thigh in the final. It seemed to hamper his game, and it will be interesting to see if he is fully recovered, or if the injury is still affecting Førde heading into this match.
With an obvious TIF Viking team and a Førde team that has something to prove, it's set for an intense and emotional derby.
TIF Viking – last three matches in the Mizuno League
- TIF Viking – Randaberg 3-0
- TIF Viking – OSI 3-1
- TVN – TIF Viking 1-3
Førde – last three matches in the Mizuno League
- BK Tromsø – Førde 3-0 cup final
- Forde – Randaberg 3-2
- Forde – OSI 3-0
What can we expect in TIF Viking – Førde?
We can expect an intense tempo from the first ball. The matches between TIF Viking and Førde on the men's side are usually characterized by a lot of energy, tough serving and long rallies.
I think TIF Viking will enter the match with a clear plan, with high serve pressure and aggressive play from the start, to put Førde under pressure. Førde, on the other hand, usually shows great patience in their game, but in the cup final we saw that the team became a completely different team after they lost the first set 30–28. Then they started to make other attack choices and make tactical changes that did not have the desired effect. Here Viking has a good opportunity to test Førde and get them out of their comfort zone. After a tough cup weekend, Førde also has something to prove, and the motivation to beat their rival in a derby is always extra high.
Prediction: TIF Viking wins (3-1)
