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

 
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

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.