The president of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Musa Nimrod, has commended President Bola Tinubu for directing the prompt release of funds approved for sports development in the country.

Mr Nimrod gave the commendation in an interview with journalists on Saturday in Abuja, describing the directive as a major boost to the growth of sports in Nigeria.

He said the timely release of funds would significantly enhance the preparation of national teams and the effective implementation of sporting programmes across the country.

According to him, sports remain one of the most effective tools for youth engagement and social stability, noting that increased investment in the sector would help reduce criminal activities.

“President Tinubu has been doing a good job. Sports is one of the strongest means of reducing criminality, banditry and kidnapping.

“When young people are meaningfully engaged in sports, crime is reduced,” he said.

He added that sustained funding of sports would not only improve Nigeria’s performance at continental and global levels but also contribute to national development and security.

Mr Nimrod also expressed optimism about the future of Nigeria volleyball following the successful staging of the just concluded 2025 NVBF Super Cup, in Abuja, describing it as a major platform for talent discovery and national team development.

“The competition brought to light several new and unexpected talents.

“The development is a positive challenge for the federation and national team selectors.

“The preparations for the 2026 season will be intensive, with several major continental competitions lined up, including the zonal elimination for the African Nations Cup in Ouagadougou.

“Others are the African Club Championship (Zone 3) in Ghana, and the participation of Nigerian clubs in the African Club Championship in Kigali in April,” he said.

He added that separate men’s and women’s continental championships would also take place, with the women’s event scheduled to hold in Egypt.

“These competitions are not going to be easy, but Nigeria will be ready,” Mr Nimrod said.

He also highlighted Nigeria’s strong position in beach volleyball, confirming that the women’s team had already qualified for the continental finals and remained among the top-ranked teams in Africa.

He further disclosed plans to host the Zone 3 Beach Volleyball Continental Elimination in Badagry, citing its natural beach and accessibility as advantages over Abuja.

“Badagry has the real beach and enough space to host Zone 3 countries comfortably,” he said.

The NVBF president confirmed that player selection for the national teams had already commenced following recommendations from the coaches committee during the Premier League, Division One and Division Two competitions.

“New players have been identified and will be invited to the national camp immediately as we prepare for the zonal eliminations.”

He added that the national camp would begin soon.

Mr Nimrod also declared that volleyball was regaining its popularity in Nigeria, revealing plans to introduce paid ticketing for major volleyball events.

“By the end of this year and into 2026, people will pay to watch volleyball in Nigeria; the value of volleyball is back.

“Drawing comparisons with the 1970s and 1980s when volleyball attracted paying spectators, Nimrod said Nigerians would once again pay to watch the Super Cup finals in 2026,” he said.

CNS Spikers defeated Nigeria customs service 3-1 (21-25, 25-18, 25-23, 25-17) to emerge champions of the 2025 Super Cup men’s category.

In the other women’s category, Nigeria Customs Service beat COAS Spikers 3-0 (25-8, 25-15, 25-10) to emerge champions.

The 2025 Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) Super Cup commenced on Monday and ended Saturday with 12 clubs competing in the men’s and women’s categories, marking another successful edition of Nigeria’s premier volleyball competition. 

(NAN)