http://www.newsportng.com.ng The President, Nigeria Volleyball Federation, (NVF) Engr. Musa Nimrod has called on well meaning Nigerians to invest in volleyball game, said it would be avenue for younger Nigerians to unearthed their potentials.
Nimrod made the call at the conclusion ceremony of the 2022 National Division 1&2 league finals for male and female, held in Kaduna.
According to the president, the glory of volleyball like it were in the early 70s and 80s alongside the game of football is back, adding that the dream of the management is to give every young Nigerian the platform to showcase their talent and made it big in the volleyball career.
Responding to the performances from both Division 1 and 2, Nimrod said “Am very happy because we have test run division 1&2. It is a journey that we never believed in and am so happy that our vision has come to Fulfilment. Today we now have premier league division 1&2. Today, it is not by magic but we want to thank God because we are now champion of the under-19 in Africa and in the world, Nigeria is No. 1 in ranking, junior category.
“If you invest in volleyball, you invest in the future of this country. And I want to say it clearly that when you invest in volleyball, is thesame thing you are investing into football because we have the crowd,we have the youths and the everything including players who are reigning in Africa. We do not have sponsors but we thank God for the journey so far.
“I want to say that it is our desire to retain our fourth time winner of Junior category in Africa. I can see it that volleyball has come of age. I have said it before that volleyball and football were they are together in the 70s & 80s have come back. You can see the wonderful works that the league management committee is doing.
“I want to thank the stakeholders. Alot of people have contributed and we are looking forward to a sustainable sponsorships. Our wardrobes are open.
“We have tactical and technical coach from Serbia and you know Serbia is a the home of volleyball in the world. They are currently the women champion in the whole world.
“Now, our coach is here. He is training young players that will meet up five to ten years. Our plan is to have players that are sustainable that can meet up in the next ten years. You can see the lady from Anambra by name Ifunnaya. She is a small young lady making wave already in Nigeria today and she is just in SS 3. So I want to say that the parents of this girl, we want to encourage them to give her more opportunity and I see her going out of Nigeria for a professional volleyball.” He said.
Also, the Chief of Naval Staff Spiders, (CNS) male and female categories emerged victoriously in the National Division Leagues 1&2 of the tournament, a win that was described by the team’s Coordinator , Commodore James Aliyu, as a reposition efforts of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo, CFR
James said the CNS Spikers female Volleyball Club has now qualified to play in the premier league while their male counterparts moved to National League Division One targeting the apex national league.
Also, speaking after his team’s promotion to the National Volleyball Premier League, the Head Coach of Spartans Volleyball Club of Adamawa State, Polycarp Joel said their target is to go and win the league.
“I am excited about realizing our collective goal, which is the ticket to the premier league due to determination and our focus, he stressed.
Coach Joel noted that for the challenge ahead, the team will be fortified with other players to prosecute the premier league next season.
