Robert Ekat, a dedicated volleyball player and an academic doctor (Ph.D.), offered valuable insights into the sport of volleyball and the recently concluded Legacy Volleyball Championship.
Read Also: National Youth Games 2023: Team Oyo Captains Tell Mates To Remain Focus
His team, the Lekki Volleyball Club, secured a resounding victory in a match against the Unilorin Volleyball Club, winning with a scoreline of 3-0 and set statistics of 25-19, 25-18, 25-20.
The Legacy Volleyball Championship, a highly anticipated event, spanned from Thursday, September 21st to Sunday, September 24th.
In an interview with Sports247, Ekat emphasized the popularity of volleyball in Nigeria, highlighting the presence of volleyball courts in most standard secondary schools and the growing community of volleyball enthusiasts.
However, he acknowledged that volleyball is not as financially lucrative in Nigeria as it is in some other countries, where it is pursued as a serious profession.
“Volleyball enjoys widespread popularity in Nigeria, with nearly all standard secondary schools equipped with volleyball courts. The sport has a growing community of enthusiasts. However, it’s important to note that volleyball in Nigeria isn’t as financially rewarding as it is in some other countries.
It’s often seen as a social activity rather than a full-fledged profession. Nonetheless, the sport is growing.
Organizations like the Legacy Club and the Lekki Volleyball Club are making strides by organizing annual tournaments, providing players with opportunities to earn and enjoy the game.
These initiatives are steps toward making volleyball more sustainable in Nigeria.
Sponsors are periodically called upon to make these tournaments more rewarding for the players.” Ekat speaks.
Other News: FG Set To Replicate Arts, Crafts Villages Nationwide State In Bid To Tackle Unemployment
Ekat commended organizations like the Legacy Club and the Lekki Volleyball Club for their efforts in organizing annual tournaments that engage players and offer them some financial incentives.
He also expressed the need for more sponsors, including government and corporate organizations, to support these tournaments and make them more sustainable.
Ekat stressed that many young players are passionate about volleyball and want to build their careers around it.
Having played volleyball for 27 years, Ekat’s passion for the game developed during his childhood. Despite his demanding profession as a doctor, he continues to actively participate in volleyball as a hobby.
He has played for the Lagos State volleyball team for over 5 years and has even competed in the National Sports qualifier for volleyball. However, he admitted that his career sometimes prevents him from participating in numerous competitions and tournaments.
Reflecting on the match against Unilorin, Ekat praised their opponents for putting up a good fight despite being considered a lesser-known team.
He mentioned that the challenge would have been more formidable if they had faced one of the major teams like Legacy, Logistics, or Offa.
Ekat also revealed that he is a member of both the Legacy and Lekki Volleyball Clubs but predominantly plays for Lekki.
He has attended all seven editions of the Legacy Volleyball Championship and highlighted its significance in the volleyball community.
The privately sponsored tournament attracts teams from various states across Nigeria, fostering camaraderie, networking, and the sheer joy of participating.
In closing, Ekat emphasized the passion that drives volleyball players to participate in such tournaments, even when the financial rewards may not be substantial.
The love for the sport and the opportunity to connect with fellow enthusiasts make these events a cherished part of the volleyball community.
