Tayo Ogunseye
Nigerian Volleyball Federation (NVBF) President Musa Nimrod has hailed the country’s U-18 beach volleyball team for its outstanding performance on the international stage, challenging the players and coaches to carry the winning mentality into senior competition.
Nimrod, who also oversees the CFPP Beach Volleyball Commission, described the tournament as highly competitive and praised the team for overcoming difficult moments on its way to victory.
“It was a high-class competition. It was fun, but it was really tough. Frankly speaking, I saw God in it,” Nimrod said.
He identified the quarter-final as one of the toughest stages of the competition but remained confident Nigeria would emerge victorious if the team secured a place in the 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 federation chief also credited the coaching crew for their role in the success, particularly their ability to use the limited opportunities available to communicate with players.
Nimrod noted that beach volleyball rules prevent coaches from giving instructions to players while play is ongoing. However, Nigeria’s coach used the changeover periods to calm the players and make tactical adjustments, helping the team navigate difficult moments.
He said Nigeria’s consistent success in youth beach volleyball has now turned the country into the team to beat in 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.
While celebrating the achievement, Nimrod warned that Nigeria must not become complacent, stressing the need to keep improving.
“We must move forward beyond where we are. It is a very tough, challenging period, but we must move,” he added.
Nimrod expressed confidence that Nigeria’s dominance at youth level would eventually produce results in senior beach volleyball and strengthen the country’s chances of qualifying for the Olympic Games.
“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.
As part of efforts to strengthen beach volleyball development in the region, Nimrod disclosed plans to organise a four-nation competition in Badagry, Lagos, for Senegal as the country prepares for its hosting responsibilities.
He said Nigeria and other West African countries were determined to support Senegal, noting that hosting major international competitions comes with significant challenges.
“We are arranging a mini-competition for Senegal to come down in 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 backed African teams to make a strong impression at the Youth Olympic Games in Senegal despite the continent’s limited preparation time.
According to him, Africa has the talent and physical strength to compete with the world’s best and must now convert those qualities 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 pointed to Senegal’s high afternoon temperatures as another challenge athletes would face during the Games.
“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.
With Nigeria leading the way at youth level, Nimrod said Africa must ensure its strength is reflected in the final standings.
“I believe that Africa should be on the podium. We cannot host without Africa being on the podium,” he said.
