Kwara State to host inaugural Beach Volleyball Tourney in December

 

The first Kwara Beach Volleyball Tournament is set for December 27-28, 2024, at WaterView Park in Ilorin, Kwara State. 

Announced by Dare Kuti, Media Assistant to Nigeria Volleyball Federation President Engr Musa Nimrod, the event aims to promote the sport and discover new talent.

"This tournament will provide a vital platform for athletes to showcase their skills and passion," Kuti stated at a press conference on November 4, 2024. 

The competition welcomes participants from military and paramilitary organizations, as well as students from tertiary institutions, fostering camaraderie among diverse groups.

Key collaborations include the Kwara State Volleyball Association, Nigeria Volleyball Referees Association (Kwara State), University of Ilorin, Kwara State Sports Commission, and the Ministry of Youth Development. 

Kuti emphasized the need for partnerships with investors to enhance the tournament and promote beach volleyball in Nigeria.

He also encouraged the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in Kwara to help publicize the event and raise community awareness. 

Additionally, Kuti congratulated Engineer Musa Nimrod on his recent appointment as President of the CAVB Beach Volleyball Commission, highlighting its significance for the Nigerian sports community.

Beach Volleyball: Nigeria teams win gold at Zone 3 U21 Championship

 

Nigeria have emerged champions of the just concluded Zone 3 U21 Beach Volleyball Championship in the Boys’ and Girls’ category on Sunday.

Nigeria defeated host, Benin Republic I 2-0 (21-14, 21-17) in the boys’ final while Nigeria pummeled the first team of Benin Republic 2-0 (21-11, 21-13) in the Girls’ category.

The duo of Emenike Ezike and Emmanuel Udah represented Nigeria in the boys’ event while Happy Wushiland and Esther Mbah wore the colours of the country in the girls’ event.

An elated Emmanuel Udah said he is looking forward to other international outings after winning his first international medal in 2022.

Udah said, “I want to thank God for the victory in Benin Republic and the President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Engineer Musa Nimrod for ensuring the teams participated in Zone 3 despite the late invitation given to the country. It was a good outing and it feels great to win the first international trophy in 2022 for the country. We are looking forward to subsequent competitions and the teams will not let the country down.”

The head coach of Nigeria Beach Volleyball Team, John Iwerima applauded the Chairman of Nigeria Beach Volleyball Commission, Engineer Musa Nimrod for always creating the platform for junior players to showcase their God given talents.

Iwerima said, “My sincere appreciation goes to Almighty God for doing this great thing for us and to the President of NVBF, Engineer Musa Nimrod for supporting us. He has always provided the platform for us to showcase the talent at the junior level.

“It projects a bright future for Nigeria as we prepare for other international engagements like the commonwealth games qualifiers and other international tours that come up later in the year. This is a rehearsal for greater things to come for volleyball, especially beach volleyball; thank you all for your constant prayers for the success of the teams.”

The President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Engineer Musa Nimrod lauded the players and the coaching crew for landing the federation her first international gold medals.

He said, “This victory indicates that it is going to be a successful outing for Nigeria in 2022. The Nigeria Beach Volleyball Commission are excited about this development and it is our belief that the indoor will also bring glory to the country.”

In the semifinals, Nigeria beat Ghana 2-0 (21-16, 21-16) in the boys’ category while Nigeria defeated Benin Republic II 2-0 (21-12, 21-15) in the girls’ category.

Nigeria U21 team secures Beach Volleyball semifinals

 

Nigeria U21 teams have qualified for the semifinals of the ongoing Zone 3 U21 Beach Volleyball Championship in Cotonou, Benin Republic.

The duo of Emenike Ezike and Emmanuel Udah (Nigeria boys), schooled Benin Republic 2-0 (21-4, 21-6) in their first match before taking Niger Republic to the cleaners 2-0 (21-11, 21-19) in their second match on Friday.

The Nigeria girls team, Happy Wushiland and Esther Mbah did not waste time to dispatch Benin Republic 2-0 (21-10, 21-9) in their first match and won their second match convincingly against Ghana 2-0 (21-14, 21-8).

The coach of Nigeria U21 beach volleyball team, John Iwerima expressed satisfaction over the performances of the team at the championship.

Iwerima said the players exhibited a high level of technicalities in each of their matches.

He said, “I am happy over the performances of each of the players; they are hungry for wins and have shown to the world that they want to win the championship.

“If you look at the matches, you will see that players did not give their opponent chances to express themselves. The players showed a high level of technicality in their two matches. I strongly believe that if these players are given more playing time together, we will have a formidable beach volleyball junior team.”

Speaking from Cotonou, the President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Engineer Musa Nimrod praised the team for making Nigeria proud in the group stages.

The Secretary General of Confederation of Africa Volleyball (CAVB) Zone 3 said, “I watched the team play and I must confess that they have shown much promise. We are not going to put pressure on the team and the coaches; I believe that they will emerge victorious.”

The Nigeria boys and girls team will face Liberia in their last group stage matches on Saturday.

2021 AFCON: NVBF congratulates Super Eagles for historic win

The Nigeria Volleyball Federation has congratulated the Super Eagles of Nigeria led by Augustin Eguavoen over their exceptional performance at the ongoing 2021 African Football Nations Cup (AFCON) in Cameroon.

Nigeria beat Guinea Bissau 2-0 in their third match to become the only team to win all three group stage matches at the 2021 AFCON on Wednesday.

In a statement signed by Engineer Musa Nimrod, President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, he praised the players for playing with passion and putting smiles on the faces of Nigerians.

Nimrod said, "The volleyball community are excited about the performance of Super Eagles of Nigeria at the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon. 

"Austin Eguavoen who is a lover of volleyball has shown once again that he has the capacity to lead the Super Eagles of Nigeria as an ex international and former coach. He performed such feat in 2006 and we are optimistic he'll surpass his record."

He urged the Super Eagles to take each matches in the next round seriously in order to avoid upsets.

The Sports Administrator said, "The hopes of Nigerians are high and it is our prayers they succeed. Austin Eguavoen and his team are now in the next round and we urge them to continue with the tempo they started with.

"If the Super Eagles of Nigeria succeeds at the 2021 AFCON, their success will rub on other sports in Nigeria and attract cooperative bodies to invest in them".

The Nigerian team have qualified for the Round of 16 of the 33rd African Cup of Nations, after claiming victories in all their Group D games, with a remarkable win over Egypt, Sudan and Guinea Bissau scoring six goals, conceding just only one goal.

Volleyball: New Wave, Sunshine Spikers talk tough ahead of 2022 Regional Cup final

New Waves VC and Sunshine Spikers of Akure have booked their place in the men's final of the ongoing 2022 Regional Unity Invitational Cup in Oloru, Kwara State on Friday

In the first men's semifinals, star studded New Waves VC dispatched Nile University 3-0 (25-17, 25-21, 25-22) while  Sunshine Spikers defeated Oloru Super Stars 3-0 (25-18, 25-17, 25-21) at the outdoor court of Government Secondary School in Moro Local Government Area on Thursday.

The Captain of Sunshine Spikers, Daniel Nathaniel said his team are going to enjoy themselves in the finals.

Nathaniel revealed that the Invitational Cup is used to sharpen Sunshine Spikers ahead of the 2022 Nigeria Volleyball Season.

He said, "Sunshine Spikers are not under pressure to win this year's edition of the Regional Unity Invitational Challenge Cup. We are here to enjoy ourselves; you saw the way we played against Oloru Super Stars in the semifinals.

"Sunshine Spikers were not impressive at last season's Nigeria Volleyball Premier League, in fact we narrowly escaped relegation. This tournament will be used to prepare ahead of this year's volleyball season.

Meanwhile, Plateau Rocks will face young side, Niger Raven in the women's final on Friday by 2pm.

3rd place matches:

Legacy VC v Oloru Super Angels (10am) women

Oloru Super Stars v Nile University (12pm) men

Day 4 Semifinals results of the ongoing 2022 Regional Unity Invitational Cup in Oloru

Men:

Sunshine Spikers v Oloru Super Stars 3-0 (25-18, 25-17, 25-21)

New Waves VC v Nile University 3-0 (25-17, 25-21, 25-22)

Women:

Niger Raven v Legacy VC 3-2 (19-25, 26-24, 25-21, 23-25, 15-7)

Plateau Rocks v Oloru Super Angels 3-1 (25-20, 27-25, 15-25, 25-22)

Park Volleyball: Thunders of Nasarawa, Offa VC, Kada Kings, 34 other teams to jostle for honors at 2022 Kontagora Invitational Challenge

 

A total of 37 teams are expected to take part in this year’s edition of Kontagora Invitational Volleyball Challenge slated for the First Quarter of 2022.

According to the sponsor of the Kontagora Invitational Challenge, Major General Taritimiye Gagariga, 21 teams will battle for honours in the male category, while 16 teams will vie for the top prize in the female category.

Maj Gen Gagariga who doubles as the Chairman, Nigeria Park Volleyball stated that the objective of the competition was to complement the vision of the current President NVBF, Engineer Musa Nimrod, to promote unity, empower youths, stregthen grassroots diversity, encourage mentorship and inculcate the spirit of sponsorship in the game of volleyball across the country.

He said, “As part of efforts to activate park volleyball in the country, 6 of the invited teams had indicated interest to participate in the Park Volleyball Exhibition Matches during this year’s Kontagora Invitational Challenge.

“ Within the last 3 months, all NVBF Board Members have in one way or the other promted the game of volleyball with donations and organised competitions across the 36 states. The Kontagora Challenge is just one of the many that would herald other well graded programs of the NVBF for 2022." 

He implored participating teams, match officials, coaches and referees to embrace discipline as well as sportsmanship spirit of perseverance.

In a related development, to ensuring capacity building of Nigerian Volleyball Coaches Association (NVCA), a 2-day Coaching Seminar for all the participating teams will be organised during the competition. The Chairman NVCA, Coach Elishama Elam has assured all participants that the seminar would be beneficial for coaches to develop the game  at grassroots level and that Coach Tony Oghuma had been contacted as the Resource Person for the seminar.

The teams that have indicated interest are Defence Spikers of Abuja, COAS Spikers of Zaria, Navy Sailors of Lagos, NAF Rockets of Kaduna, Super Stars of Kontagora, G-RANK Spikers of Kachia, Bayonet Spikers of Jaji and Rhino of Jos. Other teams are Scorpion Spikers of Abuja, Kaf Ambassadors of Kafanchan, Stinging Bees of Katari, Yelwa of Bauchi, Games Village Volleyball Club Abuja. Life Camp Volleball Club Abuja, Victory Spikers Owerri, Offa Volleyball Club, Nasa Thunders of Nasarawa, Nile University Abuja, Niger Brass Minna, Kada Kings Kaduna and Katsina United Volleyball Club.

NVBF President, Engineer Musa Nimrod donates 300 balls to 6 Geo-Political Zones

 

In a bid to develop the game of volleyball in the 36 states of the Federation, the President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Engineer Musa Nimrod has 300 balls to the Zonal Representatives of the 6 Geo-Political Zones.

Nimrod made the presentation of 50 balls each to the 6 NVBF Zonal Representatives at the recently concluded 2021 Nigeria Volleyball Premier League in Abuja.

The Chairman of Kaduna State Volleyball Association told newsmen that the ball will in solving the issue of scarcity of balls in the Local Government Areas of each states.

Nimrod commended board members of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation for contributing their quota to the development of volleyball at the state and national levels.

He said, “I am donating 50 balls each to the 6 Zonal Representatives on the board of Nigeria Volleyball Federation in order to develop the game at the various states. The various board members have keyed into the vision of this current board which is to make volleyball the envy of other sports.

“The balls donated will go a long way in solving the issues of scarcity of balls in some states. The Zonal Representatives knows the areas where the balls and lacking in their Geo-Political Zones. 

“I want to thank my fellow board members for contributing their own quota in the development of the game and in 2022, Nigeria will witness a new dawn in volleyball especially Park Volleyball.

Volleyball: Nimrod recounts 2021 Nigeria Premier League successes

 

The President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Engineer Musa Nimrod has described the 2021 Nigeria Volleyball Premier League a huge success.

Nimrod disclosed this to during an interview with newsmen in Kaduna state on Friday.

The Secretary General of Confederation of Africa Volleyball (CAVB) Zone 5 said every member of the current NVBF board and other relevant stakeholders contributed to the successful hosting of the Premier League.

“The 2021 Nigeria Volleyball Premier League was a huge success, the League Management Committee never believed we could hold the Division One and Premier League between such a short period," Nimrod stated.

“Everything you saw at the recently concluded league was the joint efforts of all the present board members and stakeholders. I want to tell you that the Nigeria Volleyball Federation currently do not have a sponsor but I must appreciate all those that contributed to the success of the Federation.”

On the positives recorded, Nimrod shared his excitement about the huge potentials shown  and quality of competition provided by the young players.

“The young players are controlling the game and making the league more competitive," he continued. 

"Unlike when we started the Nigeria Volleyball Premier League four years ago, the older players control the league but this time around, the younger players have made the league very tough.

“The young players sprung up from the African U21 Championship in Abuja, the African Youth Games in Algiers and many others. The Nigeria Volleyball Federation initiated the Super Cup in 2021 and next year, the Super Cup will be held in Lagos which will be the biggest tournament.”

A total of 17 teams - 10 male and seven female teams participated in the just concluded 2021 Nigeria Volleyball Premier League won by Kano Pillars and NSCDC respectively.

5th Life Camp Intra volleyball competition Serve off on Saturday

 

No fewer than eight teams will begin battle for glory at the serve off of the 5th edition of Life Camp Intra Volleyball Competition on Saturday in Abuja. 

The Director of Life Camp Volleyball Club Competition, Manga Ezekiel who spoke to  newsmen in Abuja yesterday, said that the 2-days competition which will climax on Sunday will be a tool of uniting individuals from different background and spheres of life.

Ezekiel revealed that the competition will help develop volleyball in the community adding that it would also create an avenue to discover talents who are capable of representing the country in the future. 

He said, "This is the fifth edition of Life Camp intra volleyball competition; we organise the competition to bring individuals in the club which together and most important Keep fit.

"We hope to develop Volleyball at our locality and some of our players participate in the National Division 1 and Nigeria Volleyball Premier League."

According to him "It is going to be competitive, Life Camp is the place to be and as you can see, both male and female are struggling for trophy because there are prizes money attached and we are trying to develop the sport," he added.

He further stated that, the coming of Engineer Musa Nimrod as President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) has impacted positively into the development  of the sports throughout the country.

"Volleyball has united most people and that is why you can witness a high turn out of individuals here. Since the inception of Engineer Musa Nimrod as President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, the game has improved and every corner of the country, volleyball is present” he concluded.

Expect best of volleyball at Division One League – Hon Daunemigha

 

The Chairman Media and Publicity of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Hon Famous Daunemigha has told Nigerians to expect the best of volleyball at the 2nd phase of the 2021 National Division One League.

The 2nd phase of the National Division One League will take place at Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja from 18th to 28th November, 2021.

Hon  Daunemigha said the League Management Committee (LMC) led by Controller of Immigration (CIS), Monica Ezugwu has put in modalities to make the Division One a success.

He revealed that 10 teams consisting of 8 men and 2 women will participate at the final phase of the Division One League.

He said, “As the National Division One League serves today, Nigerians should be expecting the best of volleyball during this championship. During the 2019 Division One League, we witnessed the unbelievable as smaller teams shocked the bigger teams. As we stand, there are no weak teams in the league; they have what it takes to beat themselves.

 “The League Management Committee (LMC) led by Controller of Immigration (CIS), Monica Ezugwu are working round the clock to ensure this year’s Division One league because this is the first official assignment of the new board.”

“Kada Kings, Bauchi Spikers, Kwara United ABM of Kastina, Team Oyo, Spartans Spikers of Yola, Caliphate Spikers of Sokoto and Equity Spikers of Kebbi are the men’s team while Kwara United and Zamfara Babes are the only women’s teams”, Hon Daunemigha.

He said COVID-19 guidelines will be strictly adhered to during the league.

Nimrod, Hailmary, Lookalike Sports, Mudiame University identify with ITV Table Tennis Challenge

 

Nigeria Volleyball Federation President, Engineer Musa Nimrod; APC Women leader for FCT, Hailmary Aipoh; MD/CEO of Lookalike Sports, Joseph Okeke and Mudiame University based in Edo State, have all thrown their hat  in support of the maiden edition of ITV table tennis Challenge.

Engr. Musa Nimrod when contacted did not  hesitate in expressing support for the tournament despite not being volleyball rather according to him "I see it as my contribution to Nigeria sports development' 

The FCT APC women leader, Hailmary Aipoh said "sport is a means of empowering growing Nigerian  youth population and as a women leader, I will always support any program or project that will improve the lots of our youths"

The MD / CEO of Lookalike Sports, Joseph Okeke, one of the foremost  kits and gym equipment dealer in FCT,  embraced the concept when called upon and pledged his support to the event in cash and kind while Mudiame  University, a  private university based in Edo State  which will soon open its door of admission for youths across the country from January, 2022 said "knowing that the bulk of our students are youths, it will be foolhardy on our parts not to support a project of this nature'

The one day tournament is one of the programs line up by Independent Television, ITV Abuja as a way of  contributing  to development of grassroots sports in FCT  besides other responsibilities being carried out by the station.

Speaking on the forthcoming tournament, the General Manager ITV radio and TV for Abuja, Amber Olague said the tournament “Is our own way of giving back to the society and also to create  opportunity to empower our youth. So we deemed it fit to organize this one-day tournament to give opportunity to so many youths out there who are looking for a platform like this to showcase their talents and be discovered. We are not going to relent in creating enabling environment for our youths," she said

The tournament will see winners going home with  over one hundred thousand naira in cash and fabulous prizes in a tournament slated 30th October, 2021 at ITV event center, mpape Abuja.

Musa Nimrod returns as President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation

The Secretary General of Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) Zone 3, Engineer Musa Nimrod has been re-elected President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation.

The elections took place at the indoor Gymnastics hall of MKO Abiola Stadium, Package B in Abuja.

Nimrod has promised to work together with every board members and stakeholders to take the game of volleyball to the promise land.

The North West Representative on the NVBF board revealed that his board will continue to promote volleyball and partner with relevant individuals and the private sector.

Nimrod said, "It ia time for everyone on the board to put their differences and focus on how the game of volleyball will grow.

"I cannot do it alone, I need the support of every member of the board in order to take volleyball to the promise land".

Engineer Musa Nimrod defeated Mallam Alhassan Yakmut by 11-0 votes at the indoor hall of MKO Abiola Stadium Package B in Abuja.

Volleyball: Nigeria breaks 16 years semi-final jinx at 2021 African Nations Cup

Nigeria women's senior volleyball team progresses to the semi-final of the ongoing 2021 African Seniors Nations Championship in Rwanda on Friday.

The development is coming on the heels of the decision taken by African Volleyball Confederation (CAVB) to disqualify hosts Rwanda from the championship, having confirmed they fielded an ineligible players following an appeal by Nigeria and two others.

At it stands, Nigeria move to the top of Pool A with 6 points and will face Morocco in her last group match on Saturday, September 18.

Before the match between Senegal and Rwanda on Thursday, the Senegalese team wrote a protest letter to African Volleyball Confederation (CAVB) control committee on the foreigners been used illegally by Rwanda team.

Afterwards, Morocco and Nigeria joined in with their own petitions to the Local Organising Committee on the ineligible players fielded by Rwanda, which led to the latest verdict made by the organizers. 

Before the verdict, the Nigeria women's senior team had been denied access to their training ground on Friday while the referee were stopped from officiating matches.

With this development,  Nigeria has finally broken it's semi-final jinx, having reached the stage for the first time since 2005 when the championship was last held in Nigeria.

NVBF announces 14 players for Volleyball Nations Cup in Cameroon

The technical department of Nigeria Volleyball Federation NVBF has released the list of female national team players that will represent Nigeria at the Africa Women Nations Cup in Cameroon between 7th & 15th of October, 2017.