As the 13th African Games ends in Ghana, President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Engr. Musa Nimrod, has commended the players and coaches for their performance and stakeholders for their support, noting that preparation begins for Paris Olympics ticket.
Speaking in a statement he personally signed on Wednesday, Engr. Nimrod said the beach volleyball team will build on their podium finish at the African Games by taking a playing tour of West African countries before berthing at Casablanca, Morocco for the Paris 2024 Olympics African qualifiers.
“With a heart full of gratitude and deep appreciation I convey to you all this message. Prior to the just concluded Accra games, we encountered a lot of challenges, but with the determination and resilience of many of you, we overcame and participated with high expectations and unity of purpose.
Though we could not achieve our expectations, but that will not deter me from recognizing, appreciating and congratulating us in our various endeavors towards the national team.
“It will be worthy to note that beach volleyball made it to the podium with a record performance by the youngest players in volleyball game, both beach and indoor. They became a sensation in the event and were also celebrated by the entire beach volleyball community in Accra. Our gratitude goes to the young players for exhibiting the Nigeria spirit and also to their technical crew who were able to bring out such a superlative performance from such young pairs.
“My special appreciation goes to the board of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation for the pre ministry camp organized to keep our athletes in shape before the official camp. This shows our collective resolution for progress. The volleyball team from Nigeria were the best kitted in the event, this was also the contribution of persons of great interest for the success of the team, much appreciation to the contributors. All these are aimed at motivating the team to perform better.
“It is quite worrisome that despite all these, the outcome from Volleyball was not positive left for the Beach Volleyball that made a podium finish. I wish to use this opportunity to call on all stakeholders to take the campaign for the development of the game to the grassroots through state associations and local clubs and academies that will encourage youngsters to play the game with adequate techniques from a tender age.
“To all the players that forfeited all engagement to be a part of Accra games, to all the coaches that put in their best despite all odds and limitations, to all the board members in various capacities that supported the teams, and to the Nigerian supporters that took the road trip to Accra to boost the moral of the players, and to everyone at home while we are their battling it for glory, I say thank you. The Nigeria Volleyball Federation calendar has a lot of activities for the year. Let’s continue this synergy for the growth and success of our very sport.”
