Sports

Nigeria Volleyball will unearth more Ifunanya- Nimrod

Published

3 years ago

October 28, 2022

The President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Engineer Musa Nimrod said his administration will uncover more young players like Ifunanya Udeagbala (Anambra Angels) in the 6 geopolitical zones of the country.

Nimrod disclosed this during the closing ceremony of the 2022 National Division 1 and 2 Volleyball Leagues held at the indoor sports hall of Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna on Friday night.

Anambra Angels’ Ifunanya Udeagbala was adjudged the Most Valuable Player of the 2022 National Division 1 Volleyball League (women’s category).

Nimrod said Ifunanya Udeagbala has the potential of playing professional volleyball outside the shores of the country adding that the Federation will continue to provide an enabling environment for young players to thrive.

He said, “One of the mandates of this current NVBF board is to ensure the young players have the opportunity to play volleyball. There are many young players like Ifunanya Udeagbala scattered across the 36 states of the Federation. You will vividly recall that during my first term, the Federation organised a clinic for girls below 18 in the 6 geopolitical zones which yielded positive response.

“You can see Anambra Angels player, Ifunanya Udeagbala that played well at the 2022 National Division 1 Volleyball League; she is a young girl making waves across the country and in SS3.

“I want to encourage her parents to give her more opportunities to participate in more volleyball tournaments. I see her playing professional volleyball in the near future. I want to commend her coach, teammates and the community that helped shape our future star”.

The Secretary General of Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) Zone 3 said the successes recorded at the just concluded National Division 1 and 2 Volleyball Leagues was not magic.

“I am so happy that our vision has come into fulfilment that today we have the Nigeria Volleyball Premier League, the National Division 1 and 2 Leagues. What you are witnessing here at the Division 1 and 2 is not magic; Nigeria has been able to conquer the age group African Championships because of the structure of the league which gives opportunities to younger players”, he ended.

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Sports

NSC Applauds Enugu State Govt,, as LOC for 23rd NSF is Inaugurated

Published

3 hours ago

June 19, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Preparations for the highly anticipated 23rd National Sports Festival, tagged “Coal City Games Enugu 2026” have taken a significant leap forward as the Enugu State Government officially inaugurated the Festival’s Local Organizing Committee (LOC) on Wednesday in Enugu.

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, commended the Enugu State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah for his swift action and commitment to hosting a successful festival.

“With the inauguration of this high-powered Local Organizing Committee, we are confident that the Coal City Games Enugu 2026 will raise the bar in excellence, inclusion, and legacy. The caliber of individuals on this committee reflects the seriousness with which Enugu is approaching this national assignment. The National Sports Commission is fully aligned and will provide all necessary support to ensure a seamless festival that inspires hope, talent discovery, and national unity,” Hon. Olopade stated.

The newly inaugurated LOC, chaired by the Enugu State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Lloyd Ike Ekweremadu Jr, is composed of seasoned professionals with vast experience in sports administration, event management, and youth development. Their mandate is to deliver a world-class festival that aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in tapping into a growing sports economy as a vehicle for national growth and unity.

The members of the committee include:
• Bamiduro Olumide – Sports management expert and former national badminton champion (Secretary General)
• Mary Onyali – Olympian and former international sprint queen
• Aku Akazu – Sports lawyer and 2nd Vice president AFN
• Victor Okorie – Elite athlete and member of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria
• Blessing Chisalam Ekwe – COO of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, FIFA-licensed agent
• Davidson Owumi – COO of the Nigeria Professional Football League, former GM, Enugu Rangers
• Tony Ugwu – Chairman, Enugu State Football Association
• Henry Chinedu Okorie – Nigeria Olympic Committee Executive Member, Chair of the Athletics Athletes Commission
• Jonathan Nnaji – President, Nigeria Modern Pentathlon Federation; VP, Africa Modern Pentathlon Confederation
• Boniface Onovo – Director of Organizing, Enugu State Ministry of Youth and Sports
• Ephraim Ochonma – Director of Coaching, Enugu State Ministry of Youth and Sports
• Obiora Obasi – Technical Assistant to the Honourable Commissioner

Furthermore, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah outlined the State’s bold and transformative plan to ensure the success and lasting impact of the festival.

The plan includes the construction of a new Games Village to accommodate athletes and officials, remodeling of the existing stadiums into state-of-the-art facilities capable of hosting international competitions, as well as the development of additional sporting facilities across the state that meet global standards and support year-round sports development.

Governor Mbah also stated the plan to promote local content through prioritizing local contractors, vendors, and creatives before and during the festival to stimulate the local economy and celebrate Enugu’s cultural heritage.

The National Sports Festival, often referred to as Nigeria’s “Olympics,” is the country’s premier sporting event. The 23rd edition is expected to attract thousands of athletes from across Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT, with Enugu poised to deliver a vibrant and unforgettable experience.

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