By Kuti Dare

The President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, NVBF, Engineer Musa Nimrod says the desire of the volleyball fraternity for the U18 Girls and U19 Boys to be at their respective world championship later this year.

Nimrod told journalist in Abuja that the players representing the country at the African Nations Volleyball Championship are new crop of players.

He believes that the nation’s U19 Boys volleyball can better their previous 14th position and rank among the top 5 in the world.

He said, “Our desire is to represent Africa at the world championship; Nigeria is recognized in the U19 boys’ category and we want to be among the top 5 in the world. It is a gradual process and for record purposes, none of the players in camp are old players.

“Most of the players who participated at the last underage championships have moved on to the next national teams; that mean we have a new breed on U19 National team players.

“As a servant of the volleyball federation, I am pleased that we are not repeating players. If you see the U18 girls representing the country, they are young players and I am proud of them”.

He further said, “I want you to understand that this is not the first time Nigeria is participating. At the last edition of the U18 Girls, Nigeria finished fourth position in Kenya while for the U19 Boys, we are the defending champions. The Boys are planning to defend their title; do not forget in a hurry that the boys went the World Championship and we are ranked 14th. I am happy with the boys and girls; I know they will make the country proud.

He reemphasized that the federation has informed the participating countries of the strict COVID-19 guidelines adding that teams will undergo COIVD-19 test after the championship ends.

He said, “We have informed participating countries on the COVID-19 guidelines in Nigeria. Nigeria’s U18 girls and U19 boys have done their COVID-19 tests because it is one of the prerequisite of entering into the hall.

“On arrival all the teams must provide their certified COVID-19 but when they are departing the country, they must undergo the test here; they are all aware of the cost implications. COVID-10 test was conducted for all the players when they stormed camp last month, we do not have problem with our players who will represent the country”.

Nimrod commended the venue facilities team for transforming the hall which will be used for the U18/19 African Nations Volleyball Championship from 1st to 9th March, 2021.

He commended the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports for approving this competition as well as granting the venue.