By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
With the current form of Nigeria’s beach volleyball players, other African countries are working hard, with the sole aim of defeating the country’s teams at international outings.
President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) Engineer Musa Nimrod, disclosed this on Saturday night while addressing players and spectators who were at the closing ceremony of the President Beach Volleyball Championship at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna.
Nimrod, who was visibly excited by the standard of play at the championship, disclosed that the open rivalry was further exposed, during his visit to Cote D’Ivoire, from where he arrived on Friday.
“African countries are watching us and they want to beat us at competitions. They keep saying Nigeria has money. Where is the money. Our money is God,” he said.
Nimrod said that from his recent trip, he saw Nigerian players playing for clubs outside the country.
“I am happy that are our players are doing well in other countries. They were excited seeing me and came over to greet and interact,” he added.
He disclosed that for this year 2023, beach volleyball players should get set for lots of action.
” Immediately after elections some of you will be coming back to camp. Get set, to prepare both junior and senior teams,” he declared.
He praised the players for making Nigeria proud at previous competitions, charging them to maintain same tempo in subsequent events.
On the 2023 Beach Volleyball Tour, he expressed optimism that it would be bigger than previous held.
“The last lap of beach volleyball tour will be grand. We will do other tours at our level, but we will hope to get sponsors to make the final grand,” he said.
He thanked all stakeholders, for making the fourth edition of the President Cup a remarkable success.
“I want to thank the Kaduna State Government, coaches and management of Ahmadu Bello Stadium,” he said, while also appreciating the officials for excellent officiating and the media for coverage.
He cautioned players to stay away from being used as thugs by politicians in the forthcoming general elections.
NVBF President further cautioned players against indulging in illicit drugs.
In an interview with newsmen on the sidelines of the colourful closing ceremony, Commandant Nigeria Correctional Services Training School Kaduna, ACG Nigeria Correctional Services, 0lanre Amoran, praised the players and coaches for the competitive display.
He also commended the media for making the game more popular through accurate and positive reportage.
ACG Amoran is optimistic that with the rate at which the game is growing, Nigeria will be a team to watch at world competitions.
Earlier, the Correctional Services Training School Commandant announced cash bonus of N10,000 each to young players sighted at the championship.
Nimrod, had also donated two balls each to all states that participated.
It would be recalled that it was earlier reported that no fewer than 38 teams from all over the country participated.
