Nigerian volleyball to reclaim glory in Africa – Yakmut

Former Director General of the defunct National Sports Commission (NSC), Dr. Alhassan Yakmut has predicted that Nigeria will emerge as a force to reckon with in African volleyball in four years due to the foundation being laid by the Nigerian Volleyball Federation (NVBF).
Speaking Saturday night after the final of the Nigerian Volleyball League Savanna Conference at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua Hall Kaduna, the ex- Nigerian volleyball international expressed excitement at the performance of the players at the tourney and the developmental programmes of the NVBF, noting that Nigeria is set to reclaim it’s lost glory in the game.
Yakmut, who is currently the Board Secretary Ministry of Interior, said, “I’m excited by what I saw in this tournament and especially the final between Civil Defence and Immigration Service, this shows that volleyball is growing in Nigeria again.
“We had some challenges, but with the foundation being laid by the Nigerian Volleyball Federation, we are getting back to the glorious days of Nigerian volleyball.
“In eight years, we should be a force to reckon with in the Olympics and world championships and in four years we should be top in African championships.”
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) (21 pts) defeated arch rivals, Nigeria Immigration Service (18 pts) 3-1 sets to retain their trophy. Kano Pillars (11 pts) and Plateau Rocks (11 pts) were third and fourth to join the duo as male qualifiers for the top eight Premier League in Abuja in October.
The NSCDC also emerged winners of the female category with 21 points, qualifying for the female top eight Premier League alongside Immigration Service (17 points), Benue Queens (15 points) and Kada Emirates 12 points) who finished second, third and fourth respectively.