"He's the pride of Nigerian volleyball", Hon Daunemigha hails Maj. Gen. Gagariga's giant strides in grassroots volleyball development

 

South-South Representative in the board of Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Hon Famous Daunemigha, has commended Major General Taritimiye Gagariga (RTD) for developing grassroots volleyball in the country.

Hon. Daunemigha gave the commendation during the Yenagoa Invitational Volleyball Challenge 2024 in Bayelsa State.

He said the Invitational Volleyball Challenge organised by Maj Gen Gagariga is a positive development in the country’s volleyball.

“The facts speak for themselves; Major General Taritimiye Gagariga (RTD) is the pride of Nigerian volleyball development because he has invested heavily in the grassroots 

“From what I am seeing in the Yenagoa Invitational Volleyball Challenge, the whole country is well represented in Bayelsa State. The Challenge has given the young volleyball players the opportunity to showcase their talents

“I will not be surprised to see most of the players here playing topflight volleyball in the Nigeria Premier League, National Division 1 and 2 Volleyball Leagues.”

Hon Famous Daunemigha praised Bayelsa State Governor, Sen Douye Diri for supporting the Volleyball Challenge.

He said, “The Governor has once again demonstrated his love for sports by supporting this volleyball challenge. He supported the Challenge with Appearance Grants which went a long way in assisting the teams with logistics.

“The people of Bayelsa and South South should expect more volleyball competition in the second quarter of the year.”

Volleyball: See who and who make Coach Ajayi's final list for 2023 African Women's Championship

 

The final 12 players that will represent Nigeria at the 2023 Africa Senior Women’s Volleyball Championship in Cameroon have been announced by Head Coach, Samuel Ajayi on Sunday. 

The African Senior Women's Volleyball Championship which is the 21st edition is scheduled for 14th to 29th August in Yaounde, Cameroon.

The list of 12 players was published on the Facebook page of the Nigerian Volleyball Federation (NVBF) on Sunday.

Superstar Opposite hitter, Albertina Francis (NSCDC), Ijeoma Ukpabi (COAS Spikers), captain Comfort Amonwu (NSCDC), setter Sharon Achi and Libero Jummai Bitrus are some of the regular players who made the cut.

New girls; Aliyat Usman (CNS Spikers), Venesa Okike (Benue Queens), Deborah Chukwu (COAS Spikers), Blessing Unkwe (NSCDC) and Kelechi Ndukauba (CNS Spikers) were also included in the squad.

Those dropped from the team include; Naomi Yaro (Kada Emeralds), Sarah Ali (COAS Spikers), Elizabeth Ilesanmi (CNS Spikers), Mariam Usman (CNS Spikers), Aisha Abdulraheem (CNS Spikers), Ifeoma Mordi (COAS Spikers), Charity Sylvester (COAS Spikers) and Dorathy Joseph (Kada Emeralds).

 

FULL LIST:

Achi Sharon (NSCDC), Aliyat Usman (CNS Spikers), Venesa Okike (Benue Queens), Comfort Amonwu (NSCDC), Ijeoma Ukpabi (COAS Spikers), Happy Wushilang (NSCDC), Deborah Chukwu (COAS Spikers), Sandra Ozabor (NSCDC), Blessing Unkwe (NSCDC), Kelechi Ndukauba (CNS Spikers), Albertina Francis (NSCDC) and Jummai Bitrus (CNS Spikers)

Coaches: Samuel Ajayi (Head Coach) and Yohanna Tswevini (Assistant Coach)

Jos Beach Volleyball Fiesta uncovers talents in beach volleyball, says Barshep-Amakiri

 

Member of the Nigeria Beach Volleyball Commission, Bolcit Barshep-Amakiri has disclosed that the 1st Jos Beach Volleyball Fiesta has discovered talents and helped the grassroots players to compete at the national level.

Barshep-Amakiri who is also a Member of the Plateau State Volleyball Association revealed this at the closing ceremony of the 1st Jos Beach Volleyball fiesta in Jos on Sunday 

The fiesta started on March 24 and runs through March 26, and featured more than 30 teams across the country.

Kada II won the Gold, Youth and Sports won silver, and G-Ranks won Bronze in the Men's category.

In the Women's category, Kada I bagged the gold medal while EdBac won the silver medal, and Kada II won the Bronze medal.

Barshep-Amakiri said the idea behind the fiesta is to encourage  Beach Volleyball at the grassroots and discover talents.

According to her, "The turnout is overwhelming, this idea was born out of the need to encourage the grassroots and create a platform for them to showcase their talent but the response at the end of the day was encouraging. 

"We discovered we had about Nine states represented here and it's overwhelming but somehow we can meet up to our expectations. Hopefully generally it is the first of its kind on the plateau soil and in the north-central area and we did very well."

She added that the Participants inspired her and they did justice to the theme of the festa, Pair to Inspire.

"The Participants which are the Volleyball players themselves did justice to the theme which is Pair to Inspire, initially when this idea was born we think we would get a few participants within the north-central region only to find out that we have participants coming from Lagos, Anambra, Benue and this met and surpass our expectations.

"The turn out here by the talents that were displayed, the lead and senior players in beach Volleyball that was displayed here actually did justice to the theme Pair to Inspire, it has also inspired me indirectly that this needs to be taken to the next level, we have to make this yearly event.

"Part of our success factor today is because, we had strategic partners who contributed both in cash, kind and advice in technical Knowledge on how to put on the National event itself, which inspired us to do more actually, we hope to get more strategic partners in subsequent editions, when the next editions will come up we don't know yet but we intend to sustain this in Future," she said

Jummai Bitrus giving back to the society via volleyball

 

National Senior women's volleyball player, Jummai Bitrus said she is trying to give back to the society that brought her out of the streets into fame and stardom.

Bitrus stated this after the conclusion of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP's) volleyball clinic in Yola, Adamawa state.

The Nigeria number 1 Libero said the clinic done at Malkohi IDP Camp is the beginning of the hunting volleyball programme in IDP's in the North East.

She said, "I want to create an opportunity to greatness for the young children in the IDP's. I am trying to give back to the society that brought me out of the IDP's camp into stardom.

"I am ready to use the Jummai Bitrus initiative programme to develop hundreds of volleyball players in the North East."

“Opportunities don’t happen, you create them. Someone created an opportunity for me and It’s been a dream of mine to do the same for young.

The NSCDC player commended the North East Zonal Representative on Nigeria Volleyball Federation, DCP Stephen Hasso, Major General Taritimiye Gagariga, Commodore Mohammed Muye and others for their contribution in ensuring the clinic was a success.

Jummai Bitrus who hails from Adamawa State started out as a player with Adamawa Queens, rose gradually, first to the National Junior team, then to the highest level; participating at African Club Championships, African Senior Championship and Senior Olympic qualifiers.

Volleyball: 1st Captain Bukar Bah invitational challenge kicks off February 11th

 

All is set for the first edition of Captain Bukar Bah Invitational Volleyball Challenge, according to the Organising Secretary, Lawal Musa on Thursday.

The first edition of Captain Bukar Bah Invitational Volleyball Challenge will take place at the Army Cantonment Volleyball court, Kaura-Namoda road, Gusau from 10th to 14th February, 2022.

The State Volleyball Organising Secretary, Lawal Musa told news men in Gusau that the competition is to foster peace in the host community.

Musa revealed that the competition will help reduce youth restiveness  and social vices in the State capital.

The State Volleyball Organizing Secretary who is also double as National Assistant Secretary General, Nigeria Volleyball Referees Association, commended the Sponsor for investing in volleyball; the fastest growing sports in Nigeria.

He said, "The aim of the competition is to preach love among the host community and foster peace. As you are all aware that volleyball is a team event and everyone on the court must be at peace if they want t win any game.

"In our society, you will discover that there is high rate of social vices. The competition will help curb violence and inculcate discipline and unity in the youths.

"I will not fail to commend Captain Bukar Bah for choosing to support volleyball in Zamfara. In Nigeria, volleyball is the fastest growing sports and I am happy he is keying into it."

Musa revealed that the President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Engineer Musa Nimrod will grace the final of the competition as the Zonal Representative of the North West.

Six teams will be participating in the invitational challenge and they are; Army Cantonment VC, Correctional Service VC, MOPOL VC, Samaru VC, Tsafe Local Government VC and FCET VC

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: Sunshine Spikers, Plateau Rocks emerge champions of Regional Unity Cup

 

Sunshine Spikers of Ondo and Plateau Rocks are champions of the men and women's category of the just concluded 2022 Regional Unity Invitational Challenge Cup in Oloru, Kwara State on Friday.

Sunshine Spikers defeated New Waves of Ogun State 3-2 (27-25, 12-25, 23-25, 25-22, 15-11) in the men's final while Plateau Rocks pummeled young Niger Raven 3-0 (25-18, 25-14, 25-17) at the Government Secondary School (GSS) Oloru, Moro Local Government Area.

The Captain of Sunshine Spikers, Daniel Nathaniel commended his teammates for not giving up in the fourth set.

The National team player said, "I am happy Sunshine Spikers won their first trophy in 2022; this trophy will inspire us to play better this season".

Coach of Plateau Rocks women's team, Rakiya Mohammed expressed happiness beginning the 2022 volleyball season with a giant trophy.

The assistant coach of the National U18 Girls team said, "Some of the girls that played the finals are still in secondary schools. I tried an experiment of blending the few senior players and young players at the challenge cup and it worked. This is the revival of Plateau Rocks women's team in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, Sponsor of the Challenge Cup, Engineer Suleiman Rotimi Iliasu told newsmen that he is impressed with the turnout of players, coaches and spectators.

Engineer Iliasu said the 3rd edition of the Regional Unity Invitational Challenge Cup was made possible by Kwara State Governor, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq who is an advocate of youths in government.

The Kwara State Commissioner for Works and Transportation said, "I am happy with the turnout of National team players (Junior and Senior) and young volleyball players playing on the same court. The game of volleyball has come to stay in my home town and next year’s challenge cup will be bigger.”

In the third place matches, Oloru Super Stars beat Nile University 3-1 (27-25, 25-18, 21-25, 25-14) to settle for bronze medal in the men's category while Oloru Super Angels defeated Legacy VC 3-1 (25-14, 25-16, 21-25, 25-13) to snatch the bronze medal.

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)

Volleyball: Oloru Spikers battles Sunshine Spikers in S/finals of 2022 Regional Cup

 

Host, Oloru Super Stars will face Sunshine Spikers of Akure in the first semifinals of the ongoing 2022 Regional Unity Invitational Cup on Thursday.

In the second semifinals, New Waves of Ogun State battles Nile University in an epic game at the Government Secondary Schools (GSS), Oloru in Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Oloru Super Stars topped group A after beating Nile University and Kwara United while New Waves beat Legacy VC, OFFA VC and Sunshine Spikers of Akure to top Group B.

The Coach of Oloru Super Stars, Femi Shogo told newsmen that his players are motivated to make it to the finals.

Shogo revealed that playing against experienced Sunshine Spikers will be a difficult task but speed and accuracy is in favour hiss his team.

He said, "Oloru Super Stars are yet to lose a game and the semifinals will not be the first. The boys are properly motivated and I am optimistic victory is ours.

"I am aware Sunshine Spikers of Akure are Champions of National Sports Festival, they also parade National team player; we are not intimidated by their pedigree. Speed, precision and accuracy will determine who wins the game."

Meanwhile, Plateau Rocks will meet Oloru Super Angels in the women's first semifinals while Legacy VC slugs it out with Niger Raven

Day 3:

*Men*

OFFA VC v Sunshine Spikers 0-2 (13-25, 19-25)

Legacy VC v New Wave 0-2 (23-25, 23-25)

Kwara United VC v Nile University 0-2 (19-25, 16-25)

*Women*

Golden Spikers of Anambra v Niger Raven 0-2 (19-25, 29-31)

Olalomi Royal Spikers v Plateau Rocks 0-2 (12-25, 21-25)

Kada Emeralds v Trailblazers VC of Bayelsa (25-21, 25-21)

Oloru Super Angels v Legacy VC (19-25, 25-23, 12-15)

Volleyball: Rakiya Mohammed reveals Plateau Rocks target at Regional Unity Invitational Cup

 

The Head Coach of Plateau Rocks women's team, Rakiya Mohammed said her team wants to lift the trophy at the 2022 Regional Unity Invitational Cup in Moro, Kwara State.

Mohammed stated this after Plateau Rocks beat Golden Spikers of Anambra state 2-0 (25-20, 25-15) at the ongoing 2022 Regional Unity Invitational Cup on Tuesday.

The National U18 Girls Coach revealed that all the participating teams are threats to her team adding that the Semifinals will be won outside the court.

She said, "It is my desire that Plateau Rocks wins the 2022 Regional Unity Invitational Cup. This is a new beginning for my team because we are in the process of rebuilding a brand new women's team.

"If you look critical at the team, you will see that it a a mixture of experienced and young players. We decided to bring a legend like Dorathy Egbim and National team player, Albertina Francis to mentor the girls on and off the court.

"Plateau Rocks won two matches and this means we are in the Semifinals of the invitational. I will work on the psychology of my players before the game so that it will be a stroll in the park when they meet their opponents on Thursday."

Results of match Day 2:

Women:

Niger Raven v Olalomi Royal Spikers 2-0 (25-16, 25-16)

Plateau Rocks v Golden Spikers of Anambra 2-0 (25-20, 25-15)

Oloru Super Angels v Trailblazers VC of Bayelsa 2-0 (25-18, 25-22)

Kada Emeralds v Legacy VC 0-2 (22-25, 24-26)

Men:

Legacy VC v Sunshine Spikers 0-2 (21-25, 29-31)

New Waves VC v OFFA VC 2-0 (25-20, 25-18)

Oloru Super Stars v Kwara United 2-0 (26-24, 25-15)

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.

Kwara United secures promotion to Volleyball Premier league

 

... Appreciates Bashorun Bankole for Unflinching Support

Kwara United Volleyball Club has qualified for the National Division One Premier league after the team finished runners up with 33 Points at the Just Concluded Playoffs in Abuja.

Kwara United who won five out of the six matches played in the second phase of the  playoffs demonstrated high sense of commitment and determination from the beginning to the climax ensure its place in the league with second place finish behind Kada Kings of Kaduna who emerged Champions with 40 points.

Reacting to the development, Coach Wale Gbadamosi saluted the zeal and renew vigour of his players for clinching Premier League ticket, noting it was a dream come true.

He applauded the Chairman of the Kwara State Volleyball Association, Bashorun Kayode Bankole for his unalloyed support throughout the playoffs, stressing that his financial and moral support greatly assisted the team in achieving the feat .

 Meanwhile, Kwara State broke record as the only state in the Country to have three Volleyball teams in the Premier after Offa Volleyball Club and Kwara United female volleyball club secured their qualifications a milestone which many  stakeholders have described as a good result of genuine investment to Sports development by the Present administration under Mallam AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq.

V/ball Division 1 League: Kada Kings maintaun winning streak

 

Kada Kings continued their unbeaten run at the ongoing 2021 National Volleyball Division 1 League with an emphatic three straight sets victory over Wikki Spikers of Bauchi. 

Kada Kings thrashed Wikki Spikers of Bauchi 3-0 (25-19, 25-18, 25-22) to recored their ten straight games win at the indoor sports hall of Moshood Abiola Stadium, Package B in Abuja on Monday.

The Head Coach of Kada Kings, Jonathan Thaj while speaking to newsmen after the game, expressed satisfaction over the performance of his team against the formidable Wikki Spikers of Bauchi state.

Thaj also revealed that his side is physically and technically better than his opponent adding that his team played according to instructions given to them before the game.

He said, "I feel satisfied with the victory because the boys are good, they training a lot and I am happy their training is manifesting in the second phase of the 2021 National Division 1 League. I believe that anytime or anywhere we meet Wikki Spikers, they will definitely lose to us because our boys are playing systematic Volleyball.

"When you compare my boys individuals, they are better than Wikki Spikers that was why I remain calm on the bench because they took instructions before the game."

Thaj further noted that Kada Kings will know their fate when they lock horns against Caliphate Spikers of Bauchi on Thursday.

He said, "For now, Kada Kings have taken the trophy already; I am going to celebrate my trophy immediately we beat Caliphate Spikers of Sokoto State. The win over Wikki Spikers of Bauchi has given us the edge against all the teams here; it is left for others to fight for second position."

Day 3 results of the second phase of the 2021 National Division 1 League in Abuja:

ABM of Katsina v Kwara United VC 0-3 (22-25, 14-25, 28-30)

Caliphate Spikers of Sokoto v Spartans VC of Yola 0-3 (22-25, 24-26, 12-25)

Kada Kings v Wikki Spikers of Bauchi 3-0 (25-19, 25-18, 25-22)

Day 4 Fixtures:

Oluyole Spikers of Oyo v Caliphate Spikers of Sokoto (2pm)

Spartans VC of Yola v ABM of Kastina (4pm)

Wikki Spikers of Bauchi v Kwara United VC (6pm)

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.

Major General Taritimiye Gagariga reveals plans for grassroots volleyball

 

Board member of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Major General Taritimiye Gagariga says he is passionate about the growth and development of volleyball at the grassroots level.

Major General Gagariga disclosed this at the end of the three days Kontagora Volleyball Challenge, grassroots tournament held in the Nigerian Army Cantonment, Kontagora in Niger State from 27th to 31st October 2021.

He revealed that his focus is to ensure youths who are yet to have the opportunity to participate in the centralised top level volleyball competitions in the Country would have an avenue to play the game in their various localities.

He said, "I am passionate about the growth of volleyball at the lowest level which is the grassroot. No sporting nation can excel without the continuous production of players at the grassroots level.

"All the elite players you see today did not just become star players; they started from the grassroots and this is why my focus is the continued organization of local competitions where new talents are discovered. 

"Everyone cannot play in the Nigeria Volleyball Premier League or National Division 1 League; so we commenced the grassroots competition in Nigerian Army School of Artillery Kachia in September 2018. 

"We  continued in 2019 and the grassroots challenge has visited Zaria, Abuja, Jos and Bauchi where serious competitions were organized and conducted. The Kontagora Challenge is one other opporrunity for other volleyball players to showcase their hidden talents. Indeed, we have been able to produce players for the Nigerian National Teams and the Premier League within the 3 years since we began.

 "All grassroots players thus look towards participating in the bigger leagues in Nigeria so they take our local challenges seriously as coaches and other technical persons observe them well."

Maj General Gagariga commended the Nigeria Volleyball Federation led by Engineer Musa Nimrod for creating an enabling environment for the game to thrive.

He said, "Engineer Musa Nimrod has done his possible best for the game of volleyball to become popular in Nigeria and Africa. It is now left for other volleyball philanthropists and enthusiasts to compliment on what he has started. Together, we can all keep the game alive."