Nigeria Volleyball game is tremendously advancing says Jefferson
From Everest Ezihe, Owerri
Apparently impressed by the number of participating teams and skills exhibited by players in the ongoing National Divisions 1 and 2 Volleyball League in Owerri, an expert in the administration of the game, Army Warranty Officer Sheba Jefferson (rtd) has declared that the game is tremendously advancing in the country.
Jefferson an international referee spoke yesterday  while assessing the on going competition in Owerri.
She also described the competition as encouraging in terms of the skills and ages of the players as well as the number of participating teams.
According to her, ” honestly am happy with the number of the participating teams that registered for the competition. We anticipated few teams in view of the economic and security situation of the country, considering the removal of fuel subsidy and its attendant socioeconomic effects. Look at the number of spectators and fans trouping out each day to watch the games. These are indications that Volleyball game is tremendously improving in Nigeria and am happy about that” she noted.
Jefferson who’s also the 2nd Chairperson Nigeria Volleyball Referees Association noted the competition as the first time in the history of the game in Nigeria of the organizing body, Nigeria Volleyball Federation, NVF having 11 teams actively participating in Division 2 League, 5 male and 3 female teams playing in Division 1, making a total of 8 teams in Division 1.
She commended Imo State government for hosting the competition and providing enabling environment as justified by the facilities, infrastructure and hospitality, even as she insisted that there are grey areas that deserves serious improvement in case of subsequent editions.
The Sports icon however recalled that it’s long the state have not hosted the competition as compared years back when the state was taking  the lead, describing the hosting as a welcome development.
The competition’s referee designate informed that the organizers of the competition are compelled to shift down the date for the closing ceremony to be this Saturday as against next Monday because of the sit at home being observed on the highways in the South East every Monday, insisting that the safety of the officials and teams are paramount to NVF.
She reiterated that the standard exhibited by the competing teams are high especially in Division 2 describing most of the players as skillful, upcoming and young.
Jefferson decried the attitude of most of the South East and South South governor’s for their lackadaisical attitude and policies in funding of a crucial game like volleyball, as against the committed interest of their Northern counterparts and called for a drastic change of attitude.
The Sports Ambassador strongly opposed the idea of recycling players in competitions insisting that there are lots of young, skillful and talented players that needs opportunity to excel and deserved to be encouraged.
While further commending Imo State government for successful hosting of the 2023 National Division 1 & 2 Volleyball Leagues, she passionately advised that the 2 teams that represented the state for the competition should be sponsored to the 2nd phase promotional and relegation competition, however, she said the date and venue is yet to be announced.
