By Sunny Canto Noticeably, many have come to terms with the fact that truly, able and special athletes are in the same pedestal compare to the erroneous view in the past there's no hope for physical challenge ones. Amazingly, the exuberant Sitting Volleyball players, from various clubs that converge at National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria for a week to compete, did proved book makers wrong with their outstanding performances. Legacy team, who dominated the round-robbery fixtures and championship in the Men and Women category, played awesomely well till the blast of the final whistle; as a result of winning both category, they will stand a chance of competing at continental level in 2023 sporting Calender. However, FCT Abuja Men, Women teams who came behind LAOMS of Zaria and South-West Babes as third placed while all sundry with their unique style of play, gave the championship a modern look. In a chat with news men, Sitting Volleyball President said, "The game is not that popular but we're here to give them relevance, create enabling platforms for them to showcase their talents" he told. "Our plan is to engage them with many tournament, bring the best in them so as to represent us in the future; and take over Africa" Kayode add, "Government has done so much for us but we also need cooperate and private individual to support us further, because Egypt is hosting the World Para Championship by 2023 and Paralympics games by 2024; so we need to develop our athletes" Ladele concluded. According to Para-Volleyball West Africa President, Mr. Robinson Tumwesigwe while addressing Press men, "We can see National team players here because this tournament is a test run for our future plans in Nigeria and West-Africa" Adding, "We were not so sure of this amazing fit earlier because the coaches, athletes, officials couldn't do much but now its obvious Nigeria there's a brighter future; so me and the President will be visiting them from camp to camp, state to states till we build a global team" he summarized. In summary, all the participating teams got several incentives, the winners also, received medals and trophies as Mr. Kayode Ladele motivated everyone. #SittingVolleyball
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By Sunny Canto The apex of the Nigeria Volleyball Premier League, which climax at Moshood Abiola, Package B, Stadium, Abuja with Kada Kings locking horns with Kwara United clubs in the men's finals. Despite a slow start that resulted to Coach Wole Gbadamosi team woeful loss of 13-25, 24-26 as they eventually picked their broken pieces by confidently winning the remaining three sets in a thrilling manner: (25-21, 25-21, 15-13), therefore hand their opponent only defeat since the competition dunked off. Speaking, "Our victory is as a result of consistent training, also we've the youngest players in the tournament, but we shall reinforce for 2022 Premier League; expect the best from us" he assured. Oke Adedayo (Kwara Skipper) add, "Though we came fully prepared, beating them (3-2) wasn't an easy ride, because we consult our drawing board and motivated ourselves to win the game" Earlier, Kada Kings during the (first phase) held in Bauchi State, finished with 21points, while JVC of Bauchi had 15points as host Kwara settled for third place with 13points. In the women category, Zamfara Queens couldn't withstand the prowess displayed by Kwara Club as they overpowered them in a 25-17, 25-20, 25-23 encounter. Elsewhere, the U-13 (forty-five) grassroot players, who displayed basic skills of the game, were presented each with a ball by Engr. Musa Nimrod, CABV Secretary-general and NVBF President. The Adamawa origin and renown leader said, "The federation has done his best to host, but we earnestly look for sponsors, and our players have been profiled which will attract mutiple partners" Nimrod, "I'm delighted seeing young talents at the competition, also by year 2022 season, there will be many profiling for our league players as foreigners will be allow to play" he told. However, the one weeklong event witnessed personalities, awards, trophies and incentives given to successful individuals and teams. Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Chief Sunday Dare ably represented by his (Chief of Staff) Ahlaji Habba Yola, gave the vote of thanks while the National Antherm was recited to marked the mouthwatering closing award night. #NVBFDivisionOne #MusaNimrod #CAVB #FIVB By Sunny Canto Rome is not built in a day, gradually, the CENSPORTS annual festival is turning a global tournament as 2021, second edition held at CR-ITM pitch Ugep, ended in a successful note. Previously, Ikom Local Government Area has played host to hundred of athletes in the 2020 maiden edition, amid Covid-19 outbreak. Nevertheless, all PTF, Covid-19 protocols has been adhere to since the inception of this talents discovering sport program. However, among the activities for 2021 program were: Football which was dominated by Ikom LGA, but Yakurr LGA, Obubra LGA, ETUNG LGA all proved their worth in a competitive matchup. Excitedly, in the boys athletics (100m) event, Obubra representative Innocent Marchi cliche gold, while Ewa Johnson won Silver for Ikom as Mofen Kennth of Yakurr settled for bronze medal. In the girls category, Nchewi Egbala easily won gold for Yakurr as Ekem Goodness help Ikom record Silver while Ovat Queeneth of Obubara finished third place. Interestingly, team Yakurr resilient see them edged past others to win gold in the mixed-relay, Obubara came second while Ikom occupied third position. Incredibly, the same Innocent Marachi emerged first in boys Badminton while Eric Bernard won Silver for Ikom as double Bronze medalist are: Nicholas for Ikom and Gabriel David of ABI LGA. Meanwhile, Precious Agube fought hard to claim gold for ABI LGA in girls event, Silver medal was completely won by Emame Erong for Obubra LGA; thereby living Double bronze medals for Ovat Queeneth and Kate Kabe of Yakurr respectively. Shockingly, Obubra athletes sweep the boys and girls Volleyball activities, despite Yakurr and Ikom determine efforts which were truncated. According to the chief-organislzer, Mrs. Queen Igut Ewong, "We've invested a lot of resources and time in bringing them under one platform to showcase their talents, because our aim is to help them realized their dreams" she told. "Paucity of funds is our major challenge, that's why we're soliciting for more sporting investors, fanatics, stakeholders, pundits, cooperate organizations to partner with us" she appeal. Finally, Obubra amassed 9 medals, Yakurr 5, Ikom and Abi 4 each as Etung couldn't win any before the wrap-up. #CENTFEST2021TalentsHunts Gilts and glamour was the order of the day as the 9th edition of the Africa zone 3 Volleyball board concluded her 5 days event in the center of excellent, Lagos; Nigeria. The tournament which featured 7 male teams and 6 female teams while Togo, Benin-republic, Ghana alongside the host nation-Nigeria teams are countries that participated in the championship. However, in the male finals, Ghana Police team who emerged first position in the previous edition has repeatedly beat their arch-rival which is Nigeria Customs in an action filled game. Just like the women’s final, the men’s final also witnessed Ghana Police also defend their title after humiliating Nigeria Customs 3-0 (25-22, 25-19, 25-17) in a keenly contested encounter yesterday, thereby leaving their fans devastated. Meanwhile, in the female category, Nigeria Customs maintained their unbeatable run resulting to a well-deserved victory at the finals as they edge over their Immigration counterparts. In addition, both teams defeated all their opponent at the group stage thereby finishing with 1.8292 and 1.3081 respectively. Elsewhere, Nigeria (male) Police clinched 3rd position while Nigeria (female) team occupy 3rd place. In other female game, Nigeria Army came from behind to a memorable victory despite a one set down to defeat Kada Emeralds 3-1 (22-25, 25-17, 25-12, 25-17) as they claim third place winners. Also, Nigerian Police team endure a terrible setback during the semi-final loss to reigning side Ghana Police thereafter override their Nigerian Immigration compatriot in a three straight sets winning which ended thus: 25-20, 25-21, 27-25. Unexpectedly, the Ghana Police team who have be enjoying bravery for a while now has succeeded in humbling Nigeria Customs to maintain her title aftermath a 3-0 victory over Nigeria Immigration (25-11, 25-21, 28-26). Nigeria Customs, OTR of Togo, Kada Emeralds, Ghana Police, Nigeria Immigration and Nigeria Army are the teams that featured in the female games while Ghana Customs, Nigeria Immigration, Finances of Benin, Nigeria Customs, OTR of Togo, Entente of Benin, Nigeria Police featured in the male category. FIVB referee, Sheba Jefferson and NVBF referee head was able to work assiduously in order to ensure a fair officiating throughout the tournament. Nevertheless, the spectators were thrilled and satisfied during the championship. Also, this Volleyball fanatics who stood by their various teams while watching the games was in good conduct. Engr. Musa Nimrod (NVBF President) told news men, "We're delighted hosting the zone 3 Africa Volleyball event again, but we look forward to build teams that can challenge other champions in the nearest future" "Urging the participants to keep fit always as the game will take them places and will avail them opportunities to better their careers" "We're calling on NGO's, government officials and well-to-do individuals for sponsorship in order to improve the game" Nimrod added. CAVB zone 3 President, Paul Atchoe while delivering his speech, encourage the athletes, thanked the organizers and appreciated everyone that contributed immensely to the success of the program. Further more, it was intriguing as the winners were warmly welcome, awarded medals, trophies by the entire VIP guests and volleyball leaders. Conclusively, the colorful closing occasion was graced by Barrister Solomon Selcap Dalung, (Minister of Sports & Youths Development) representative Ahj. Bode Durotoye, Zone 3 President, Mr. Ali Yaro ( Zone 3 Secretary), Mrs. Mbora (Assistant-Director FMYSD) including NVBF board members. The substantive coach of Kada Emeralds, Vincent Unogwu said his team is not in Lagos to play impressive game, but to fight defeat top contenders.
Unogwu stated this in Kaduna ahead of the Zone 3 Africa Volleyball Club Championship at the University of Lagos, from 14th to 19th April, 2019. Unogwu said his target is to surprise other opponents at the championship and register his team in the heart of the world. He said, "We are not only here to play impressive game but to fight it out and win. Speed, Power and Consistency are the pillar of our game. Kada Emeralds is the rebranded Kaduna state team, and this is the first time we are participating in this event. "Our target for this championship is unlimited. It may sound ridiculous but we are coming to surprise the Zone and I bet you, our name shall be registered in the hearts of many people after the tournament". Unogwu said the bulk of Kada Emeralds is filled with players who participated at last year's Nigeria Volleyball Premier League in Abuja. He said, "Just like during the last premier league we have one of the youngest sides and we maintain that pedigree with the confidence that we can transform the girls to become the power force of female volleyball in Nigeria. "We are building and came with 80 percent of our premiere league players with an injection of other young but talented players. "I know experience matters, and many people in the volleyball circle sees me as a grassroot coach. Yes it is true. But like my assistants, we all believe in fundamental of the game so we put into use our natural call of teaching grassroot by tutoring our players with fundamental skills and techniques, using the principle of intensity and reparation as a path to perfection". Nigeria Beach Volleyball teams departed the country Tuesday morning to Accra for 2019 CAVB U21 Beach Cup qualifiers
The zonal qualifiers for the CAVB U21 Beach Cup will be held on 21st to 24th February, 2018 in Accra, Ghana. After rigorous camping exercise in Kaduna, four players were selected to represent Nigeria at the qualifiers. The male players are; Emmanuel Okeke and Eminike Ezeike while the female players are; Amarachi Uchechukwu and Maryann Kelechukwu. The teams will be handball by Coach Kayode Ajilore while Samuel Timothy is the country accompany referee. Nigeria male and female teams are drawn with Niger, Cote D’ivoire, Ghana and Benin Republic respectively. The President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Engineer Musa Nimrod said his desire is to see Nigeria qualify for the U21 Beach World Cup. He charged the team to win the qualifiers for Pioneer National Beach Volleyball and former National indoor coach, Ismail Chakuma and Amarachi Uchechukwu’s late mother. Nimrod said, “The Nigeria teams were in China for the U21 Beach World Championships and it is my desire and prayers that we qualify and represent Africa at the 2019 U21 Beach World Championships. “My charge to the players is to win the qualifiers in Ghana and also dedicate the victory of the qualifiers to the country’s pioneer beach volleyball coach, Late Ismail Chakuma and the late mother of one of the player, Amarachi Uchechukwu”. “On behalf of the Nigerian Volleyball family, I praise you for your tremendous efforts in making sure you get selected. You are great ambassadors of our dear nation”, he said. The President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Engineer Musa Nimrod has predicted a better outing for the Nigeria Customs Service ahead of the 2019 Women's Africa Club Championships in Cairo, Egypt.
Nimrod stated this when he visited the team at the National Stadium Package B, in Abuja. He commended the Nigeria Customs Service for investing heavily in Volleyball promising to give them the necessary support. He told them to give their best at the tournament by going beyond the quarter finals. "It is worrisome that Kenya, Cameroon and other countries are going to challenge Cup while Nigeria is not able to attend. I am aware of the plans of Nigeria Customs have for volleyball and I want you ladies to protect the interest of Nigeria at the Africa Club Championships. "You are not only representing Customs but Nigeria; remain consistent and make sure you get to the final. You girls need to pay the price by sacrificing for the country; remain calm in camp and go for gold. Nimrod said the level of preparation is top notch. The newly appointment female coach, Sunny Yunana hailed Engineer Musa Nimrod for his unflinching support in the development of volleyball. He said the presence of the President is a morale booster for the female players. "We really want to appreciate the sports officer for making sure we camp early and the President for his fatherly role in the transformation of volleyball in Nigeria. we promise to make the nation proud”, he added Fantastic moment earlier today at the package 'B' National Stadium, Abuja; as the Agricultural farm products company based in Ibadan carry out her annual screening program for under 17 athletes in various Sports like Football, Volleyball and Basketball. Interestingly, the exercise is to support the lads into high schools in Japan and further their career's in Sports. Also, different tribes, students across the country has benefited from this NGO initiative. According to Yukio Yamamoto (Business Development Manager), "Our intention is to empower the Youths in a 3 years scholarship after the screening program but there are different requirement from the schools over there. Adding, "Depending on the schools that will determine who is accepted because Nigerians have potentials and as a result of our passion for them to grow, we have avail them this opportunities" Meanwhile, "the school calendar resume by April in Japan and i will travel to get the allocated slots for them" Yukio added. Speaking on behalf of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation, the Secretary-general acknowledge the President acceptance towards the drive. Stating, "it's a welcoming development, although it's the first time they're working with the Volleyball Federation since i assumed office. Appealing to other NGO's to emulate what (Taiyo Industry Africa Inc.) is doing for Nigeria youths which has captivated so many Sports people. "Volleyball is not meant for the tall and strong alone but if you're willing our committed Coaches will put you through" Mikano finalized. Eventually, those who has dream of schooling abroad has been given a huge opportunity to contest among others in Football, Basketball and Volleyball in order to gain from the scholarship scheme. The members of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation has expressed shock over the death of the Pioneer National Beach Volleyball and former National indoor coach, Ismail Chakuma describing the development as deeply saddening.
According to a prominent volleyball coach, Austin Odumo, the deceased had earlier been in the hospital in Bauchi for two weeks after successful surgery. A board member NVBF, Professor Jonathan Uever said the former coach made immense contributions and sacrifices towards the unity, stability and development of volleyball in Nigeria. Professor Uever said, "Chakuma came into the volleyball World and contributed immensely in producing many players in both indoor and Beach Volleyball. "He came, saw and conquered. Death is inevitable, an uncertain certainty, it has come at God's appointed time. Let us pray for the repose of his soul". Also speaking, Beach Volleyball Coach, Kayode Ajilore said the demise of Chakuma is a great loss to Nigeria Immigrations Service and the Volleyball family. He said, "His demise came as a shock to me as a person, his death came at the crucial time when volleyball is going through restructuring and when his professional advice is needed especially to us the young and upcoming coaches as well as a great loss to Nigeria lmmigration Volleyball family. "Coach Chakuma was a coach to many Nigeria volleyballers both at home and many in abroad. He is going to be missed by all". Coach Ismail Chakuma who hails from Cham Local Government Area of Gombe state was the pioneer National beach volleyball coach and won many laurel including gold medal at the last 2015 All African Games in Beach Volleyball. He was one of the very few that attended many international coaching courses outside the shores of Nigeria. The Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) on Thursday appointed Prince Tunde Omisore as its ambassador in Diaspora.
In a statement signed by the NVBF President, Engineer Musa Nimrod, Prince Omisore is to collaborate with international players in Diaspora. It read, “The President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation wishes to inform you that you have been appointed as the ambassador in the Diaspora. “By this appointment, the federation will be glad in the area of assistant in the collaboration with the international players in Diaspora, image making with perspective companies in USA and the image maker of the federation”. The former Director General of defunct National Sports Commission, Mallam Alhassan Yakmut has congratulated Prince Tunde Omisore on his latest appointment. Coaches and players of the federation in their numbers also sent congratulatory messages to the ambassador. |
AuthorSunny Canto the Sports enthusiast. Archives
April 2019
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