The members of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation has expressed shock over the death of the Pioneer National Beach Volleyball and former National indoor coach, Ismail Chakuma describing the development as deeply saddening.
According to a prominent volleyball coach, Austin Odumo, the deceased had earlier been in the hospital in Bauchi for two weeks after successful surgery.
A board member NVBF, Professor Jonathan Uever said the former coach made immense contributions and sacrifices towards the unity, stability and development of volleyball in Nigeria.
Professor Uever said, “Chakuma came into the volleyball World and contributed immensely in producing many players in both indoor and Beach Volleyball.
“He came, saw and conquered. Death is inevitable, an uncertain certainty, it has come at God’s appointed time. Let us pray for the repose of his soul”.
Also speaking, Beach Volleyball Coach, Kayode Ajilore said the demise of Chakuma is a great loss to Nigeria Immigrations Service and the Volleyball family.
He said, “His demise came as a shock to me as a person, his death came at the crucial time when volleyball is going through restructuring and when his professional advice is needed especially to us the young and upcoming coaches as well as a great loss to Nigeria lmmigration Volleyball family.
“Coach Chakuma was a coach to many Nigeria volleyballers both at home and many in abroad. He is going to be missed by all”.
Coach Ismail Chakuma who hails from Cham Local Government Area of Gombe state was the pioneer National beach volleyball coach and won many laurel including gold medal at the last 2015 All African Games in Beach Volleyball.
He was one of the very few that attended many international coaching courses outside the shores of Nigeria.
