The president of Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Musa Nimrod, has charged athletes to improve on their performance towards podium finishing ahead of Paris 2024.

Nimrod made the call at the closing of the 2023 open beach volleyball Star/ Tour final phase, on Saturday, at the Jabi lake volleyball village, Abuja.

The tournament started on Feb. 5 and ended Feb. 10. 

According to him, the first phase started with 24 teams and proceeded to the second phase with 12 teams, and ended with nine teams.

He said this was the first time beach volleyball was being tested in phases.

“We now have two sets of tours, the stars tour and the open tour. The open tour is meant for new entrants and the stars tour is meant for premier league.

“I want to congratulate the players who have participated in all the tours and gave their best. 

“We are not relenting in all our efforts to pick the tickets for Paris 2024, as camping is starting in two cities across the federation,” he said.

Nimrod expressed confidence in the ability of the team to qualify for the 2024 Paris.

He said that camp will be opened to the players on Feb. 15 in Abuja and Badagry.

“I want to challenge the coaches, Technical crew and the players that we are already on board to go to Morocco to pick the qualifiers.

 “The only ticket to Paris 2024. We have missed it twice but this time by the grace of God Nigeria will not miss it,” he said.

He urged players to report to the camp on time as medicals will be paramount.

Nimrod said players would be tested for drugs during the camp, adding that drug abuse would not be accepted.

He urged players not to hide any ailment or injury from the medical team.

“All medical tests carried out on you are free of charge as the expenses will be taken care of by the federation.

“Please report any ailment to the secretary or chaperon in the camp.

“I want to specifically say this is your time to showcase Africa. It’s going to be a big challenge but never underrate any team and there are no underdogs in beach volleyball.

“ I wish you success in Ghana, make the country proud at the Games proper and I look forward to seeing you in the president beach volleyball Cup in May,” he said.

The Nigeria Customs Service men volleyball team came first with 752 points in the open tour beach.

UCEM came second with 728 while Kada Prince 2 came third with 678 points.

In the open stars beach volleyball men, Kada Kings team came first with 445 points, Games volleyball clubs second with 429 points and Kada Stars third with 398 points.

In the open stars women, Kada Emerald came first with 479 points, G-Rank Spikers second with 438 points, Adamawa Spikers third with 393.

(NAN)