Nigeria and Benin Republic beach volleyball teams have qualified for the 2022 African Youth Games on Sunday.

Nigeria beat Niger Republic 2-0 (21-13, 22-20) in the boy’s match to complete their unbeaten run at the just concluded 2022 Zone III African Youth Games Qualification Beach Volleyball held at Mobee Palace, Badagry, Lagos state.

In the girl’s category, Nigeria beat Benin Republic twice 2-0 (21-14, 21-11) and 2-0 (21-8, 21-8) to garner 8 points and make it to the African Youth Games.

Nigeria boy’s team finished top with 12 points followed by Benin Republic in second with 9 points. Niger Republic placed third with 6 points while Ivory Coast occupied fourth position with 3 points.

The Secretary General of Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) Zone III, Engineer Musa Nimrod commended the participating teams for making qualification a success.

He hailed the Mobee of Badagry for providing the beach volleyball facilities and crowd support during the qualifiers.

Nimrod who is the President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation said, “The 2022 Zone III African Youth Games Qualification Beach Volleyball was successful and I want to thank the Mobee of Badagry for providing the facilities and the people of Badagry are great; CAVB Zone III executives want to thank the countries that participated.

“It is not a surprise that Nigeria qualified for the African Youth Games and we will put in a lot of effort because the games proper is not easy. The coaches have seen the weaknesses of the players; the Federation will begin the Beach Tour in July and it will strengthen the players.”, Nimrod revealed.

He said, “Benin, Nigeria and Niger Republic are good in Beach Volleyball as far as i am concerned; I want to thank Ivory Coast for making it to the qualifiers. it is a great experience and i am optimistic the qualifiers will make Ivory Coast take beach volleyball serious”.

The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) has hailed the minister of sports, Sunday Dare and Nigeria Volleyball Federation on their initiatives towards growth and development of volleyball in the country.

The Vice President of International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), Musataque Mohammed disclosed this during a courtesy visit in the Minister office on Tuesday in Abuja.

Mohammed applauded the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development on the new approach of the development of the sport in the country.

He called on the Federal Government of Nigeria support the current leadership of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation in hosting more international championship to raise the standard of the game.

He said, “FIVB want to see Nigeria among the best teams in the world in the nearest future. Nigeria should be seen in the category four.

“Nigeria have the passion for the sports, Nigeria volleyball needs our support to move forward and raise the standard of the sport in the country.

“FIVB want them to be hard working, dedicated and focus and serious for them to become the future Olympian’s, and in their social development,” Mohammed said.

The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare said the ministry is ready to partner with FIVB to raise the standard of the in the country and the develop the sport.

Dare said, “We work with you in to ensure that you accomplished all your line up programs with the Federation and I believe that it will promote us.

“We need to deep in very well, volleyball is one of the sports that the present government is giving support in our own little way.

“We will not relent to ensure that’s volleyball is well positioned in the country,” the minister said.

On his part, Musa Nimrod the president of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) said the FIVB delegate visit will last two weeks.

“I thank God for the FIVB that came to the country to discuss potential support from the FIVB which will help boost the development of volleyball in these countries, Nimrod said

All is set for the National Division 2 Volleyball League in Jalingo, Taraba state at the Jolly Nyame Stadium, Jalingo from 22nd to 30th April, 2022.

According to DCP Stephen Hasso (RTD), North East Zonal Representative on the board of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, six men’s teams are expected to battle at the first phase of the Division 2 League.

He said the federation has put in modalities to ensure a successful Division 2 League is hosted in conjunction with Taraba State Government.

Hasso who doubles as the Chairman, Adamawa State Volleyball Association said, “The Nigeria Volleyball Federation is set for the Division 2 League. This is the baby of the federation; we are starting the league in Jalingo, Taraba state.

“This is the first phase and arrangements are in place for the successful hosting of this league. Six teams will begin hostilities today and you will see top class volleyball from these teams.

“The atmosphere of the volleyball community here in Jalingo is high; the town is aware of the championship and we believe the court will be flooded with spectators who are expectant of the championship,” he added.

Hasso rated the facilities of the Jolly Nyame Stadium, Jalingo adding that the board will ensure age grade championships are hosted to keep the facilities in use.

He said, “As you can see, Jolly Nyame Stadium, Jalingo has one of the best sporting facilities in the country and the volleyball federation is ready to partner with the state government in ensuring more age grade and national championships are hosted here.”

Day 1 fixtures (22nd April, 2022)

Adamawa Spikers v Bayonet Spikers (8am)

Plateau Rocks v Benue Spikers (2pm)

Taraba Spikers v Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Spikers (4pm)

The Nigeria Volleyball Federation has invited a total number of 54 players ahead of the 2021 African Volleyball Championship in Rwanda from 5th to 20th September.

The camp begin from 19th August, 2021 at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna state.

The Secretary General of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Ngozi Amayo said 30 male and 24 female players were selected by top coaches at the first phase of the 2021 Nigeria Volleyball Premier League held in Ilorin, Kwara state.

The male list are:

Setters:
Bruno Ibeh (Nigeria Police), Tobi Oladipo (Correctional Service), Patrick Davou (Nigeria Customs Service), Philip Stephen (Kano Pillars) and Daniel Nathaniel (Sunshine Spikers)

Opposite:
Morris Dikiyai (Nigeria Customs Service), Izuchukwu Nwachukwu (NSCDC), Dauda Saje (Correctional Service), Anachuna Chukwubuike
Emenike Ejike (Nigeria Police), Prince Anyasodike (Nigeria Immigration) and Okweku Alex (COAS Spikers)

Middle Blockers:
Philip Akande (Nigeria Customs Service), Moses Gana (Kano Pillars), Levy Lortyon (COAS Spikers), Army Ferdinand (Nigeria Police) and Usman Ismail (Kano Pillars)

Opposite Hitters:
Samuel Ogwuche (NSCDC), Matthew Ejeh (Nigeria Customs Service), Emmanuel Okeke (NSCDC), Godwin Shekarau (Kano Pillars), Chinadu Pascal (Correctional Service), Augustine Samuel (Nigeria Customs Service), Mayowa Bello (OFFA VC), Abdulaziz Aliyu (Nigeria Immigration Service) and Cyril Iritobor (COAS Spikers)

Liberos:
Afun Idowu (Sunshine Spikers), Precious Peter (NSCDC), Ibrahim Adamu (Correctional Service) and Tiamiyu Ismail (OFFA VC)

Female players are:

Setters
Sharon Achi (NSCDC), Chinenye Nwosu (NSCDC), Aisha Umar (Nigeria Customs) and Ene Odoh (Nigeria Customs)

Side Attacker:
Mercy Promise (NSCDC), Tochukwu Nnorugu (Nigeria Customs), Comfort Amaonwu (NSCDC), Ijeoma Akpabi (COAS Spikers), Rafiyat Mustapha (Nigeria Customs) and Ose Anamaki (Nigeria Immigration Service)

Middle Blockers:
Theresa Okoamah (NSCDC), Helen Umeh (Nigeria Customs), Eunice Ejeauba (Nigeria Customs) and Prisca Nkennakwu (COAS Spikers)

Opposite:
Albertina Francis (NSCDC), Happy Wushilang (NSCDC), Ifeoma Mozdi (COAS Spikers), Jessica Terwase (Benue Queens) and Ruth Wariboko (Nigeria Police)

Liberos:
Jummai Bitrus (NSCDC), Deborah Umoren (Nigeria Immigration), Chinedu Nnachi (COAS Spikers) and Dorothy Joseph (Kada Queens)

Nigeria has qualified for the Semifinals of the ongoing Tokyo Beach Volleyball Qualifiers in the women’s category.

Nigeria beat Gambia in the Golden match 2-0 (21-10, 21-12) after both teams won a game each.

In the first game, Gambia beat Nigeria 2-1 (24-22, 13-21, 15-13) before Nigeria Team B consisting of Albertina Francis and Tochukwu Nnoruga beat Gambia 2-0 (21-13, 21-16) in a one side match.

Nigeria is two steps away from the Tokyo Olympics.

Team Kada emerged champions in the U18 Girls, U19 Boys and men’s senior at the just concluded 2021 President Beach Volleyball Cup in Kaduna.

Kada Emeralds beat Pro Spikers of Lokoja 2-0 (21-14, 21-19) to win gold in the U18 Girls event while Goldening Spikers of Anambra zoomed pass Sokoto 2-0 (21-15, 21-13) to win bronze medal.

Kada Kings shocked Pro Spikers of Lokoja as they came back from a game down to win gold medal in the U19 Boys category. Kada Kings won the game 2-1 (19-21, 21-8, 15-10) in front of their home fans while Zamfara placed third position beating Borno 2-0 (21-12, 21-12).

Kada Kings beat NSCDC 2-1 (21-19, 21-23, 15-13) to emerge new champions in the men’s category.

The duo of Jasper Peter and Austin Uche (Kada Kings) proved to be the better side against highly rated Godwin Shekerau and Andrew Sunday of NSCDC.

Kada Kings won the first set by 21-19 after giving NSCDC a good fight but lost the second set by 21-23 due to continuous errors. NSCDC took the lead in the third set but Kada Kings came from behind to win the third set by 15-13.

An elated Jasper Peter of Kada Kings told newsmen that winning the President Cup is a major boost for younger players in the country.

Peter thanked the Chairman Caretaker Committee of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Engineer Musa Nimrod for believing in the ability of the team.

Nigeria Immigration Service beat Nigeria Customs Service 2-0 (21-14, 21-17) to finish third place in the men’s category.

In the women’s senior category, Nigeria Customs Service retained their title after breezing pass Hasso Queens 2-0 (21-14, 21-17) in front of over 500 spectators. The second team of Nigeria Customs Service defeated NSCDC 2-0 (21-16, 21-12) to win third position.

The Chairman Caretaker Committee of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Engineer Musa Nimrod said talented players will be discovered at this year’s President Beach Volleyball Cup.

The President Beach Volleyball Cup will take place from 16th to 20th May, 2021 in Kaduna.

Nimrod stated that the young players will stand a chance of meeting some of their iconic players and eventually play them at the championship.

He said some of the players who will represent Nigeria at the Olympic Qualifiers will take part at the event.

He said, “I am optimistic that new talents will be discovered at this year’s President Cup. Last year, we saw players who have never attended Beach Volleyball tournaments anywhere in the country put up some nice display.

“This year’s edition is going to be explosive because most players are hungry for competition after the pandemic denied them playing time”.

“The younger players stands a chance of meeting players who have represented the country at various international tournaments and will be a source of motivation to them”, he added.

Honourable Famous Daunemigha has declared his intentions to run for second term as the South South Representative on the board of Nigeria Volleyball Federation.

He told newsmen in Yenegoa that his second term will be filled with grassroots programs in the South South Zone.

Hon Daunemigha said he will not stop supporting and promoting the game of volleyball in the south south zone and Nigeria in general.

He said, “As you all are aware that I have invested freely in the game of Volleyball so many times in several occasions and will still do even much more.

“I may not have played volleyball professionally, but I bet us that I have loved this game so much and have done so much for its growth and development even more than many that played it actively. I will not stop supporting and promoting the game in my geopolitical zone andNigeria in general.

“My comrades of south south, I Hon. Famous Daunemigha once again presenting myself to represent you as your south south zonal representative in the NVBF board. Having learnt so much from my first experience at the board, I promise to deliver far more better dividend to our game in the south south zone”.

He hailed various volleyball stakeholders for their support in his first term.

He said, “Let me take this rare privilege to thank you all and appreciate the very honourable south south stakeholders, coaches, referees and players that stood with me all through the past 4 years”.

The President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Engineer Nusa Nimrod has called on all Nigerians to support the Nigerian Customs Service ahead of their forthcoming historic semifinals match.

Nigeria Customs Service will face CS Sfaxien of Tunisia in the second semifinals match of the ongoing 2021 Women’s Club African Championship by 8:30pm on Wednesday (Today).

The NVBF boss said the Federation will do everything on its own part to support the 2018 National Club champion at the semifinals.

Nimrod urged Nigerians to support the team which will help the team to be at their best instead of putting pressure on the team.

“We expect Nigerians as before to support the team in all the ways they can because that is what they need right now and not that they should put pressure on the team.

“I also know that Nigerians pray a lot, so I also expect that they pray for the team to succeed in Egypt, those that are able to go and those that will stay at home,’’ he said.

The President, Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Engineer Musa Nimord has described sports as an industry for human development.

He said sports is a process of recracation that is rooted in identity, self determination, loyalty,  the preservation of human dignity and social pride.

Nimrod stated this at the closing ceremony of the 2nd edition of  Numan Federation Volleyball Unity Cup in Numan, Adamawa state held on Sunday.

He added that “Sports help us to think through big ideas of entertainment, competition, personal and physical development as well as social growth stressing that the future of sports and it’s impact on the society is shaped by an array of factors.

According to him, the factors includes advance in technology, leadership, rules modifications, the future of coaching techniques, Organization, participation and spectatorship.

The number one volleyball personal in Nigeria,  noted that sports has been an intergral part of social development which has moved from mere form of exercise to an advance and competitive engagement through innovations. 

“Sports is an instrument of local, national and international peace and development” he added.

He called on private corporation to invest in sports as an industry with economy value rather than charity for political correctness, ” sports is a conglomeration of different industries out together, stressing that a growth in sports is a growth in different sector of the economy”.

Earlier, the Adamawa state Chairman of Volleyball Association, DCP Stephen Hasso Rtd, said the purpose of the tournament is to further the peace process of the Hama Bachama in the Federation, which the Hama Bachama has put in place since assumption of the Royal seat.

He added that the support the association got from the royal father and the President of the Volleyball Federation made the association to organize the competition that has been decribed as success.

Also speaking, one of the three National Volleyball coaches who were on ground to scout for young talents, Sani Mohammed who is the Chief coach of National U19 male team said “What I saw in the last two days shows that the future of volleyball is bright in Nigeria”

“I have gone places but here is different, all this boys need now,  is encouragement and good training, this we will give to those we have already selected” Sani said.

In the final matches payed for both men and women categories, Numan men team defeated Shelleng team by three straight set to win the converted trophy while Numan women team defeated Demsa also by the margin.

The three trounament which was put together by Volunteers for Sustainable Development a non governmental organization in collaboration with Adamawa state Sports Conucil and Adamawa state Volleyball Association had the firm support of the Hama Bachama, Homun Dr. Daniel Shaga Ismaila oon, Dangote Suger, Leah Iza memorial foundation and Mope Hotels.

Diginitires that graced the closing ceremony incudes, Hama Bata, Homun Alhamdu Gladstone Teneke mfr, the Deputy Speaker Adamawa state House of Assembly, the local government chairmen of Shelleng and Numan local government areas captains of industries.

Five local government areas that made up the Numan Federation took part in the 2nd edition.