By Aderonke Ojo
President of the Nigerian Volleyball Federation (NVBF) and Chairman of the CAVB Beach Volleyball Commission, Musa Nimrod, says Nigeria is set to strengthen its coaching approach in beach volleyball by ensuring that coaches operate within the sport’s restrictions on communication with players during active play.
Nimrod made this known while assessing Nigeria’s performance in a highly competitive beach volleyball event, describing the competition as “high-class,” “fantastic” and extremely tough.
“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 was present during the quarter-final and semi-final matches, said Nigeria faced a difficult challenge but remained confident that the team would emerge victorious once it successfully crossed the semi-final hurdle.
He also praised the coaching staff for their efforts, particularly in helping the players remain composed during crucial moments of the matches.
According to Nimrod, beach volleyball rules restrict coaches from communicating with players while play is ongoing. This makes changeovers and other permitted breaks important opportunities for coaches to provide guidance, offer tactical instructions and calm their players.
“The coach also tried his best. You cannot shout when the game is on. As a coach, you cannot talk. But he tried in a way and manner I saw him.
He did his best, and during the halftime and changeover, he was able to pass some words to them,” he said.
“You are allowed to do that, to calm the players down. That was how they were able to win. But it was not easy. The rules don’t allow it.”
Nigeria facing growing challenge in Africa
Nimrod said Nigeria’s success at youth level has made the country a major target for other African teams, particularly in beach volleyball.
“Let me tell you, this volleyball in Africa, especially in beach volleyball in Africa, everybody is trying to fight us. Everybody is saying, ‘Look, you must beat Nigeria.’ Now, at the youth level, Nigeria is number one,” he said.
He stressed that Nigeria must continue to improve and move beyond its current achievements.
“So, we must move forward beyond where we are. It is a very tough and challenging period, but we must keep moving. That is the way I look at it,” Nimrod added.
Nimrod confident youth success can translate to senior level
The NVBF president expressed confidence that Nigeria’s steady progress in the youth category over the past six years can eventually translate into success at senior level and help the country secure an Olympic qualification ticket.
“I am confident that very soon, a lot of things are going to take place. I am comfortable with what is happening now with the Nigerian Volleyball Federation. We are really, really moving, and a lot of changes are going to take place,” he said.
As part of efforts to strengthen competition and support regional development, Nimrod disclosed plans to organise a four-nation beach volleyball competition in Badagry, with Senegal expected to participate.
“There is a high demand, and we are arranging a mini-competition for Senegal to come down to Badagry for a four-nation beach volleyball competition. We want to give them our total support,” he said.
He added that the initiative is part of efforts by West African countries to support Senegal as it prepares to host the Olympic Games-related event.
“Africa, especially West Africa, has agreed that we have to support Senegal. It is not easy to host. It is very challenging. So, we have to support Senegal. We will organise a four-country competition in Badagry, and as a leader, I have to do that,” Nimrod said.
Nimrod backs Nigeria’s Youth Olympic medal hopes
Despite acknowledging that Nigeria’s preparations began late, Nimrod expressed confidence that the country can challenge for a podium finish at the African Youth Olympic Games.
“We know we are preparing at the last minute, but I want to assure you that with what I have seen, Africa has the power, and we have to use that as our strength,” he said.
He also noted that the weather conditions in Senegal, particularly the afternoon temperatures, could provide an additional challenge for the players.
“But I believe we are going to do our best. I am assuring you. I believe that Africa should be on the podium. We cannot host without Africa being on the podium. That is just it,” he concluded.
Nigeria’s women’s team defeated hosts Senegal A 2-0 (21-8, 21-10) to emerge champions of the 2026 African U18 Beach Volleyball Development Cup in Senegal on , August 13.The Nigerian duo of Joy Lawrence and Ifechukwu Odoh
