In a comprehensive overview of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation’s (NVBF) journey in 2023, President Engineer Musa Nimrod highlighted a tapestry of achievements and hurdles faced by the vibrant volleyball community in the country.
His reflections provide insights into the strategic initiatives, international victories, and ongoing efforts to propel Nigerian volleyball to greater heights.
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Engineer Musa Nimrod underscored the significance of capacity-building seminars conducted in collaboration with the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
Emphasizing grassroots development and coaching processes, Nimrod expressed satisfaction with the subsequent training camps and their role in nurturing talent.
In his speech, Nimrod said, “Our commitment to developing the sport at its roots has been unwavering. The President Beach Volleyball Cup and the Abuja Invitational Volleyball Challenge showcased the zeal and skill of our players, setting the tone for a competitive year.”
The NVBF’s decision to restructure the National Volleyball Lower League, resulting in Division 2, was lauded by Nimrod. He remarked, “We wanted to create more opportunities for smaller teams and grassroots clubs. The three-stage league system has allowed us to embrace inclusivity.”
Nimrod also commended the success of the open national camp in Kaduna, emphasizing its role in preparing young talents for international championships.
The NVBF President took pride in Nigeria’s achievements in age-grade volleyball, especially the silver medal secured in the Girls U17 African Nations Volleyball Championship in Abuja.
He stated, “Our prowess in age-grade competitions, including the gold in the African Zone 3 Under21 Championship, reflects our commitment to excellence.”
Despite funding challenges, Nimrod acknowledged the dominance of Nigeria in beach volleyball. He said, “The National Beach Volleyball Star/Tour and our podium finish in the Beach Volleyball U21 Nations Cup in Morocco signify our strength in this discipline.”
Nimrod celebrated the increasing number of Nigerian players gaining international exposure. “Our league’s growth is evident in the diaspora players competing in Europe, Asia, and other African countries. This trend showcases the global recognition of Nigerian talent,” he added.
Engineer Musa Nimrod candidly addressed setbacks, particularly the challenges faced in securing visas for international championships. “We acknowledge the need for improvement in this area. The frustrations related to visa procurement are challenges we are determined to overcome,” he assured.
Expressing gratitude to all contributors, Nimrod thanked individuals, groups, clubs, associations, and organizations that played a role in the success of volleyball in Nigeria.
He invited potential corporate sponsors, saying, “Our doors are open for discussions with anyone interested in supporting the growth of volleyball in Nigeria.”
In his final remarks, Nimrod added, “2023 was a year of successes and lessons. As we look ahead, our mission is to secure title sponsors for our leagues and endorsement deals for our national teams. Let’s collectively strive for excellence, and God bless us all.”
