The Chairman Caretaker Committee of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Engineer Musa Nimrod has commended the fighting spirit of the Nigeria beach volleyball women’s team despite losing the final on Sunday.
Kenya beat Nigeria 2-0 in the women’s final to secure the sole ticket ahead of next month’s Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Nimrod who watched the final in his base in Kaduna describe the players as worthy ambassadors and told them to be proud of themselves.
He said the final was a repeat of what happened to Nigeria five years ago where we failed to secure the ticket against Egypt in the final.
The Chairman of Nigeria Beach Volleyball Commission said, “I am super proud of the fighting spirit the team displayed at the final today. The team gave Kenya a good fight but could not secure the Tokyo Olympics slot losing 2-0.
“I see great potentials in this team and all I can say is that they are worthy ambassadors to have gotten into the final. The race for Paris 2024 will begin soon and the Federation will partner with other beach volleyball countries in order for them to attend some tours”.
The Secretary-General of Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) Zone 3 revealed that the team will participate in Beach World Tour in Rwanda and also Zone 3 beach competition in Cotonou next July.
“I am also announcing that next July, the team will participate in Beach World Tour in Rwanda and also Zone 3 beach competition in Cotonou.
The team coming second will require them going for the losers competition usually in Europe”.
Nimrod thanked the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development led by Chief Sunday Dare for his continuous support in ensuring volleyball grows in the country.
He said, “Volleyball has enjoyed support from Chief Sunday Dare led the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development. The game of volleyball is growing and some of our targets is to ensure we became a grade B sports, develop players who will make the country proud, and ensure the national senior teams return to their rightful place in Africa”.
“My appreciation also goes to the volleyball stakeholders including players who supported the team right from their training tours to the end of the qualifiers in Morocco. Let us continue to work for the progress of volleyball in order to be a force to be reckoned with”, he added