Sports

NDSF: How Bayelsa volleyball star nearly quit and overcame frustration

Published

6 months ago

April 3, 2025

Joel Ajayi

Lilian Sobere shone as the star player in Team Bayelsa’s thrilling 2-0 victory over Imo State, but her journey to success was far from easy. Behind her powerful spikes and confident plays lies a story of struggle, doubt, and ultimate triumph.

Speaking to NDSF Media, Sobere revealed that she only began playing volleyball five years ago—and nearly walked away from the sport just two years later.

“I’m really happy to be where I am today. Volleyball has taken me to incredible places, but there was a time I felt so frustrated that I wanted to quit,” she confessed.

Her early days in the sport were filled with setbacks.

“When I first started, I trained hard, but I wasn’t very good. We kept losing matches, and nothing seemed to be working,” Lilian recalled.

The pressure mounted when her parents questioned her commitment.

“They would ask me, ‘What’s the point of playing if you keep losing?’ Their words hurt, and I almost gave up.”

A Triumphant Turnaround

Looking back, Lilian is grateful she pushed through the tough times.

“I’m proud of my progress. Since then, I’ve played for the National Team, competed in major tournaments, and even won MVP awards. If I had quit, I would’ve missed all of this.”

A Stroke of Fate

Ironically, volleyball wasn’t even part of her original plan.

“I never imagined I’d become a volleyball player,” she admitted. “Five years ago, a coach visited my secondary school and spotted me. That’s how my journey began.”

Now, representing Bayelsa at the Niger Delta Sports Festival, Lilian and her team are determined to leave their mark.

“We’re here to enjoy the game, but we’re also playing to win. There’s passion, there’s pride—we’re giving it everything.”

Her story is a powerful reminder: success isn’t just about talent—it’s about resilience. And for Lilian Sobere, perseverance turned frustration into glory.

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Sports

NVBF President, Engr Nimrod Urges Families to Embrace Healthy Living at HOBA Novelty Sports

Published

21 hours ago

October 6, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Engineer Musa Nimrod, has called on Nigerian families to adopt healthy living habits through regular participation in sporting and fitness activities.

Nimrod made the call on Sunday during the third edition of the Hoba Development Association, Abuja Chapter, novelty sports event held at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

He noted that physical activities such as sports are vital to fostering family bonds, community interaction, and overall well-being.

“The rate of health-related incidents such as slumping is increasing, but regular exercise helps improve the health of both parents and children,” he said. “Events like this bring families together, allowing parents and children to interact and know each other better.”

Also speaking, the stand-in Chairman of the Hoba Community, Barrister Nathan Naandeti, highlighted the significance of the annual novelty games, describing them as a unifying platform for members of the community.

“It’s something we do every year to promote unity, togetherness, and fitness among our people. Sports is part of who we are,” he stated.

Men, women, and children from the Hoba community participated in various sporting activities, including volleyball, badminton, football, and aerobics—all aimed at encouraging relaxation, fitness, and bonding among families.

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