*Plans playing tour ahead Paris 2024 Olympics
*Team departs today
By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Engineer Musa Nimrod Nimrod has no doubt on his mind, as the nation’s male and female senior Beach volleyball teams depart for Ghana for final qualifications ahead of the Africa Games.
Speaking to sports writers at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna, where both teams have been camping, the NVBF President is optimistic of a good outing for the teams.
“Beach volleyball teams are going for Africa Games qualification. They are to depart Kaduna on January 17 and Arrive Ghana on 18.
“I have seen a shock in the team, especially the female team. Young players are in charge now and they are ready to give their best,” he said.
Speaking further, he said that they are not just preparing for Africa Games, but Confederation Cup which includes Olympic Games Paris 2024.
“This time Nigeria would want to go to Paris 2024. After going to Ghana, we are planning to see how they would go for international tour. We feel Morocco or Egypt will be better for the tour,” he revealed.
He explained that for Africa Games, only two payers will represent each team, while the Olympics, will be four players each.
“When they come from Ghana, they would all come back to camp, including the indoor volleyball teams.
“This time we want to get the ticket for Paris 2024, we are pulling resources together, so that we get this ticket,” he said.
Commenting on funding of the teams, he explained that for now, the federation is responsible until the teams are qualified for international competitions, before the Federal Ministry of Sports Development takes over.
“We all know the current situation in Nigeria, it is not easy now, so we have to bear with the president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, because even he has reduced his entourage for trips abroad due to our economic situation,” he added.
Also speaking, Inodu Francis, Head Coach National Beach Volleyball, said that they are used to the terrain in Kaduna and have worked hard during the camping, hence, what is expected from the teams at the qualifications for Africa Games in medals.
“We have never eluded All Africa Games since beach volleyball event came on board. We are assuring the country that we are coming back with a medal.
“The medical team has been up to the task, so we don’t have the AFCON experience. In anything sports in Africa World, the Arab world is always a threat, so we are weary of them,” he said.
One of the make players, Hilary Simon in his response to questions, said that, “by God’s grace, Nigeria has never lost at this stage of the qualifiers, this will not be a different.
“All our players in camp are exposed, with the support we are getting, we believe all will go well.
“NVBF President, has put all in place and we look forward to making Nigeria proud.”
Also speaking, a female player, Esther Mbah Onyiyechi said they are ready to do Nigeria proud.
” We will be facing the likes of Ghana, Togo, Benin Republic and we are sure we will come out tops.
“My ultimate goal is to get the ticket and make Nigeria proud at All Africa Games,” she declared.
