By Georgina Adegbie/Aderonke Ojo
The President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Musa Nimrod, has urged the private sector and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to invest in volleyball so as to enhance its development in the country.
Nimrod told newsmen as the 2020 Under-18 Girls and Under-19 Boys African Nations Volleyball Championship ended on Monday in Abuja that the federation needed the support of all stakeholders.
He said those in the private sector, as well as well-spirited individuals needed to rally round the sport.
“I urge all stakeholders to support and help the federation to grow from grassroots, particularly helping us to sponsor youth development programmes.
“The Cameroonian teams to the competition in Nigeria were good to look at, and they performed well. But they were well kitted by a company, and they came with delegates who were also all kitted.
“They were well composed and I will like Nigerian teams to be like that.
“I have helped to move the Federation to this height and I won’t want it to fall but to rather reach higher heights,” Nimrod said.
Speaking on the Nigerian teams’ performance, the NVBF President said the teams worked hard to book their tickets in the girls and boys categories for participation in the World Cup.
“The championship was fantastic and the games were tough, but we have made it to the World Cup in Mexico for the female team and Iran for the male team,” he said.
Nimrod added that he was appreciative of all countries which sent teams to participate in the championship, namely Morocco, Gambia, Cameroon and Nigeria the host country.
Speaking also, the President of Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Habu Gumel, said the private sector should come out in strong terms to support volleyball and other sports activities in the country.
“The government cannot do it alone. I am appealing to all philanthropists to show interest in sports and support its development in the country,” he said.
The African Nations Volleyball Championship which started on Thursday ended on Monday.(NAN)
