By Kuti Dare

Congratulations to the good people of Kaduna state especially the ‘working’ Governor, Mallam Nasiru El Rufai as Kaduna won two gold medals in the volleyball and beach volleyball (men) events at the just concluded 21st National Sports Festival in Asaba, Delta State.

Not only did Kaduna state win two gold medals in the volleyball and beach volleyball (men), the state finished second in the women’s beach volleyball event behind Edo state.

Kaduna state would have lost out if they did not participate in these events as the quick intervention of the State Government led by Mallam Nasiru El Rufai ensured the state featured in the 21st National Sports Festival.

The success story of the volleyball and beach volleyball teams will not be complete without mentioning the name of Engineer Musa Nimrod who doubles as the Chairman of Kaduna State Volleyball Association. 14 years after winning Gold meda (in the men’s volleyball event) at the 2008 National Sports Festival tagged ‘Kada Games’, Engineer Musa Nimrod through his selfless service puts the map of the state on the world again as Kaduna state struck twice again.

Engineer Musa Nimrod has invested huge resources in the development of players in the state, took children off the streets and made them National and African Champions. It is on record that 10 out of the 12 players that featured in the men’s volleyball event made their debut at the 21st National Sports Festival while the gold medallist in the men’s beach volleyball event are making their second appearance in the beach volleyball event at the National Sports Festival.

Before the commencement of the men’s volleyball event, Ogun state and Delta state were fanced to win the volleyball event due to the highly experienced players paraded by both teams but Kaduna stole the show with younger players that started their career in beach volleyball. These winnings at the National Sports Festival is a manifestation of Engineer Musa Nimrod belief in giving the younger generation the platform and opportunity to showcase their God given talents.

Kaduna State Governor, His Excellency Mallam Nasiru El Rufai should use the Chairman of Kaduna State Volleyball Association, Engineer Musa Nimrod as a role model for others to emulate. Nimrod should be seen as an ambassador of sports in Kaduna state who has used sports to alleviate, librate as well as take youths off the street of Kaduna.

It might interest His Excellency that Kaduna state youths have attended various African and World Volleyball Championship through sports. Currently, the Zone 3 U17 Beach Volleyball Boy’s and Girl’s Champion are Nigerians from Kaduna state

Your Excellency sir, the time is overdue for Engineer Musa Nimrod to receive an award, commendation as well as recognition for his investment in sports. Kaduna state is blessed to have such a reputable sports administrator in the state.

God bless Mallam Nasiru El Rufai,
God bless Kaduna state and
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Kaduna state beat Ogun state 3-2 (25-21, 24-26, 25-23, 17-25, 15-13) to win gold in the men’s volleyball event at the 2022 National Sports Festival in Delta State on Friday.

Kaduna state produced an outstanding performance against Ogun state who were unbeaten till the final match.

Kaduna surprisingly took the first set by 25 to 21 points in a set that saw the Ogun players struggle to get their rhythm. The second set produced a spectacular display from both sides as Ogun won by 26 to 24 points.

The young Kaduna players held Ogun state ransom in the third set 25 to 23 points before Ogun came back from behind to win the fourth set by 25-17. Kaduna finally cruised to victory in the fifth set winning by 15 to 13 points.

The Coach of Kaduna men’s team, Adamu Nitte expressed delight over the win against highly rated Ogun state.

Nitte revealed that most pundits did not give Kaduna state the chance of winning the finals adding that the Ogun team crushed all their opponents before entering into the finals.

He said 10 players out of the squad are making their debut at the National Sports Festival.

He said, “I am overwhelmed and cannot express myself because I am overfilled with joy. Kaduna was not the favourite to win the National Sports Festival but God is our strength and fortress.

“Ogun state is a very good side looking at their statistics but my boys did not respect them. 10 of my players are playing the National Sports Festival for the first time and this win will further boost their profile”.

He commended the Chairman of Kaduna State Volleyball Association, Engineer Musa Nimrod for believing in the team.

Meanwhile, Rivers State beat Kano state to win the men’s bronze at the 2022 National Sports Festival.

Keystyle Travels women’s volleyball team have emerged champions of the 2022 LVC Thunder Games held at Teslim Balogun stadium in Surulere on Saturday.

Keystyle Travels beat Legacy VC 3-1 (17-25, 25-23, 25-22, 25-23) in an epic final that had in attendance 1,000 spectators seated at the outdoor court of Teslim Balogun stadium.

The Manager of Keystyle Travels Spikers, Genevieve Obuladike commended the players and the officials for making for their exceptional performance and display of artistry throughout the competition

Obuladike said the Keystyle Travels team consists of some of the best volleyball players currently dominating the national teams (junior and senior).

She said, “It feels good to see Keystyle Travels win the first edition of the LVC Thunder Games. The management was excited because we paraded some of the best hands in the country and they did not disappoint.

“Lifting the trophy means Keystyle Travels Spikers are winning both on and off the court. We will continue to contribute our quota to the development of volleyball and sports in general.

Obuladike hailed the organization of the Thunder Games for its unwavering commitment towards promoting youth development in volleyball.

They also urged LVC Volleyball Club, which partnered with Keystyle Travels to continue its commitment to the country’s volleyball development.

The President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Engineer Musa Nimrod has hailed Nigeria U21 Men’s team for booking a place in the semifinals of the 2022 African U21 Men’s Nation’s Volleyball Championship.

Nigeria defeated Libya 3-2 (25-20, 18-25, 25-20, 22-25, 15-8) in a highly tense quarterfinal on Friday.

Nimrod said the players exhibited a high level of resilience on the court adding that the Federation members are proud of their exploits.

He said “I want to commend the players for qualifying for the semifinals of the U21 Nation’s Championship in Tunisia. When Nigeria hosted the U21 Nations Championship four years ago, we could not qualify for the next round. I am a happy man today that the team has surpassed their last outing.

“I monitored the match and all I could see were boys who were ready to make the nation proud. They exhibited a high level of discipline, maturity and resilience in the face of stiff opposition for the intimidating crowd. The coaching crew also showed their tactical abilities by winning the fifth set despite pressures”

The Secretary General of Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) Zone 3 charged the players to go all out in their semifinal match against Cameroon/Egypt.

He said, “Show no respect to any team in the semifinals; they may be good but we are better. The 2023 FIVB U21 Men’s Ticket is in your hands and the Nigeria Volleyball Federation will support you when you secure the ticket”.

The sponsor of Nimrod6Nineteen Talent Hunt, Engineer Musa Nimrod has charged volleyball coaches across the country to meaningfully engage youths in their various community and spread the news of volleyball in schools.

Nimrod stated this during the closing ceremony of the Nimrod6Nineteen Talent Hunt at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium (ABS), Kaduna state on Sunday.

Nimrod who doubles as the President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) revealed that in the past, the country possesses tall players like Tony Oghuma, Thomas Aroko, Dennis Eleri, Emmanuel Jatto and many others but there is a huge gap yet unfilled

The North West Zonal Representative on the board of NVBF advised coaches to visit schools in their various locations in order to identify players who are above 6ft.

He said, “I am using this medium to call on Nigeria Volleyball Coaches in the country to engage our youths through volleyball. You will discover these days that most children are not interested in sporting activities due to their school calendar. The only way to bring their mind back is by going to schools and identify these talents.

“If you go to North Africa, most of their players are above 6ft and we all saw that during the U19 and U21 African Volleyball Championship Nigeria hosted. In the 80’s, 90’s and early 2000, Nigeria had tall and intimidating players but the narrative is different. This is a wake up call to coaches and stakeholders that we need to do more”.

Nimrod advised the young players of Nimrod6Nineteen Talent Hunt not to relent in their training after they get to their various destination.

He said, “The coaches that handled you during the Nimrod6Nineteen Talent Hunt are some of the best handlers in the country. Do not relent when you get to your various destination because they have given you solid background knowledge of the basics of volleyball”.

Meanwhile, the Head Coach of COAS Spikers, Elishama Elam commended the players for their commitments and dedication during the exercise.

Elam said the some players have the potentials of becoming good players if given the necessary attention at their various training centers

The coaches engaged during the Nimrod6Nineteen Talent Hunt includes; the Chairman of Nigeria Volleyball Coaches Association, Elishama Elam, the Head Coach of Nigeria Correctional Service, Adamu Nitte and the Head Coach of Kada Emeralds, Vincent Unogwu.

The President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Engineer Musa Nimrod has congratulated the newly elected executives of Nigeria Athletes Commission (NAC).

Former D’Tigers Captain, Olumide Oyedeji was elected as the Chairman of Nigeria Athletes Commission (NAC), while Henry Okorie, Players Representative on the board of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Emmanuel Jatto and Blessing Onyali were elected on Tuesday.

Nimrod charged the newly elected executives of NAC to use their position for the betterment of athletes across all sports.

He urged the members to sensitize athletes on the disadvantage of using ban substance while competing for the country.

Nimrod said, “I am congratulating the executives of Nigeria Athletes Commission on their successful election and we hope more sports will qualify to Paris 2024 Olympic during your tenure.

“Olumide Oyedeji is an elite athlete who have traveled round the globe though sports and I am confident the Nigeria Athletes Commission will witness a huge turn around.

“This is also the time for the executives to educate and sensitize their top athletes as well as junior athletes on the dangers of using ban substance. It is our desire that the flag of Nigeria is hoisted during medal presentation at international championship”, he added

The Secretary General of Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) Zone 3 told the executive to preach oneness to every athletes competing for the country.

Government High School (GHS), Adeta will face Apata Ajele Secondary School, ASA in the finals of the through to Kwara State Inter Secondary School Volleyball Competition on Friday.

The finals will be played at the indoor sports hall of Kwara State Stadium, Ilorin by 3pm.

Government High School (GHS) beat University of Ilorin Secondary School 2-0 (25-20, 25-7) in the first semifinals match while Apata Ajele Secondary School, ASA defeated Erinile Secondary School 2-0 (25-20, 25-21) in the second semifinals match on Thursday.

An elated coach of Government High School, Abdul-Lateef Saheed told newsmen that the players played according to his instructions throughout the competition.

Saheed said he is an Ex student of GHS, Adeta adding that since he left, he decided to assemble children to play the game of volleyball

“I thank God for the opportunity to enter into the finals because no can do it except from God. The boys do train regularly and it is what I taught them they are displaying.

“I formed this team because I am an Ex Student of Government High School (GHS), Adeta; since I finished secondary school I decided to form the team and train them.

“I strongly believe GHS can win the competition because I am confident of what I taught them during training”.

In the third place match, Erinile Secondary School meets University of Ilorin Secondary School for the bronze medal by 1:30pm.

The Special Adviser to the Kwara State Governor on Sports and Youth Development, Mallam Attahiru Ibrahim has commended the initiative of the maiden edition of Kwara Inter-Secondary Schools Volleyball Championship.

The former Patigi volleyball player described the championship as a watershed which will help discover more talents in the State.

“This is indeed a great development. I believe that the competition will afford us the opportunity to discover more talents that will do the State and the Country proud in the nearest future” said the Philanthropist.

In the same vein, the management of La Planet Sports Academia has donated a giant trophies to the cause of the championship.

The trophies, according to the Tournament Initiator will be savoured by the first and second positions team in the tournament

Appreciating them, the Initiator of the Programme who is also the Media Officer of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Dare Kuti thanked SA Sports for his financial contributions and the management of the La Planet Sport Academia for supporting the initiative with trophies.

“We are really appreciative of their gesture and for identifying with this project. We believe it’s a common goal to see that we provide opportunity for our youths- and their support will go along way towards achieving success in the programme”.

A total number of Eight teams will be rolling out their aces for the championship billed for Wednesday, June 8th to 10th at the Indoor of the Kwara State Stadium Complex, Ilorin.

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”.

Ajikaz Oil limited has promised to support the forthcoming 2022 Kwara State Inter Secondary School Volleyball Competition.

The tournament is slated for 8th to 10th June, 2022 at the indoor sports hall of Kwara State Sports Complex, Ilorin.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ajikaz Oil Limited, Kazeem Ajibola on Monday said the support is to inspire the young participating children.

Ajibola said sports can be used in curbing the rate of social vices among teenagers in school schools.

The former Athletics athlete said, “I am supporting the volleyball competition because we want the children to be meaningfully engaged. Some children are idle after school hours and this competition can be used to reshape them.

“Sports can be used to curb social vices and violence among school children and they can channel their energy into something productive like sports.

“I will not be surprised in the nearest future if some of the children eventually represent the state at National Championship”, he added.

Ajibola urged other philanthropist in the country to support the growth and development of sports in their community.