……Youth success must translate to senior level
By Aderonke Ojo
President of the Nigerian Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Musa Nimrod, has congratulated Nigeria’s U-18 beach volleyball team on its impressive performance at the recent international competition, urging the players and coaches to build on the country’s dominance at youth level and translate the success into senior international achievements.
Nimrod, who also serves as Chairman of the CAVB Beach Volleyball Commission, described the competition as high-class and fiercely contested, praising the players and coaching crew for their resilience in overcoming difficult moments during the tournament.
“It was a high-class competition. It was fantastic, but it was really tough. Frankly speaking, I saw God in it,” Nimrod said.
Nimrod, who watched the quarter-final and semi-final stages, identified the quarter-final as particularly challenging but said he remained confident that Nigeria would go on to win once the team successfully negotiated the semi-final.
“I knew if they crossed the semi-final into the final, they would win. That one I was 100 per cent sure,” he said.
The NVBF president also commended the coaching crew for their efforts, explaining that beach volleyball regulations restrict coaches from communicating with players while play is in progress.
He noted that the coach effectively utilised the changeover period to calm the players and pass tactical instructions, which helped the team navigate the difficult moments.
Nimrod said Nigeria’s growing dominance in youth beach volleyball has made the country a major target for opponents across Africa.
“These days, especially in beach volleyball in Africa, everybody is trying to fight us. Everybody is trying to say, ‘Look, we must beat Nigeria.’ And now, at the youth level, Nigeria is number one,” he said.
He, however, warned against complacency and urged the country to continue raising its standards.
“We must move forward beyond where we are. It is a very tough, challenging period, but we must move,” Nimrod added.
Nimrod expressed confidence that Nigeria’s sustained progress at youth level will eventually translate into success in senior beach volleyball and improve the country’s chances of securing Olympic qualification.
“Let me tell you, I’m confident very soon. A lot of things are going to take place, and I’m comfortable with what is happening now with the Nigerian Volleyball Federation,” he said.
He said the federation is committed to creating more opportunities for Nigerian players to gain international experience and compete against strong opposition.
Nigeria to support Senegal with four-nation competition
As part of efforts to strengthen regional cooperation, Nimrod disclosed that the federation is planning a four-nation beach volleyball competition in Badagry, Lagos, as part of Nigeria’s support for Senegal ahead of its hosting responsibilities.
According to him, Nigeria and other West African countries have agreed to support Senegal, noting that hosting a major international competition comes with significant challenges.
“We are arranging a mini-competition for Senegal to come down to Badagry for a four-nation beach competition, to give them our total support,” he said.
“It is not easy to host. It is very challenging. So, we have to support Senegal. We’ll do a four-country competition in Badagry, and as a leader, I have to do that.”
Nimrod also expressed confidence in the ability of African teams to make a strong impact at the Youth Olympic Games in Senegal despite concerns over limited preparation time.
He said Africa possesses the talent, physical strength and ability required to compete with the best, but must convert those advantages into results.
“We know we are preparing at the last minute, but I want to assure you, with what I’ve seen, Africa has the power, and we have to use that as our strength,” he said.
He also identified Senegal’s afternoon temperatures as one of the challenges athletes will have to contend with during the competition.
“The temperature in Senegal in the afternoon is another thing completely. But I believe we are going to do our best. I’m assuring you,” he added.
Nimrod said he expects an African team to secure a place on the podium, stressing the importance of continental representation at the Games.
“I believe that Africa should be on the podium. We cannot host without Africa being on the podium,” he said.
