Current form of Nigeria beach volleyball players has made them the team to beat by other African countries at international competitions, President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) Engr. Musa Nimrod has said.
Addressing players and spectators at the closing ceremony of the President Beach Volleyball Championship at Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna, Nimrod, who was visibly excited by the standard of play at the championship, stated 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, who expressed delight at seeing Nigerian players playing for clubs outside the country, said, “I am happy that our players are doing well in other countries. They were excited seeing me and came over to greet and interact with me. 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.”
The NVBF president cautioned players against indulging in illicit drugs, and being used as thugs by politicians in the forthcoming general elections, praised the players for making Nigeria proud at previous competitions. He charged them to maintain same tempo in subsequent events.
Speaking on the 2023 Beach Volleyball Tour, he expressed optimism that it would be bigger than previous edition.
“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 expressed appreciation to all stakeholders for making the fourth edition of the President Cup a success.
“I want to thank the Kaduna state government, coaches, club officials, media and management of Ahmadu Bello Stadium,” he said.