Featured

Enyimba Players Continue to React to Extraordinary 8th NPFL Glory

Published

6 years ago

June 15, 2019

After helping Enyimba Football Club to a historic eighth league title on Wednesday, players of the club have been speaking on the record-setting feat.

REUBEN BALA: WINNING THE LEAGUE IS A MIRACLE

“Winning the league for the second time is just like a miracle for me because it’s not easy for a player to win the league with different teams. This winning is a special one and a miraculous one for me. I could remember that after our match (against Akwa United), while we were in the dressing room my uncle, that’s Ezekiel Bala (former Golden Eaglets captain), called me from Norway and said he was proud of me.

“He was the one that pushed me into football. He was the one that had been encouraging me with kits.

“Even my family, after the match my dad called me because he watched the match in our family house. Everybody was there praying for me, cheering me. It was something that I was very happy about because my family sat down together and watched me. It’s something good.”

CHUKWUKA ONUWA: PEOPLE WROTE US OFF

“My first statement coming to the club was to help the club gain continental glory back and bring back the glory days of Enyimba which God actually brought it back for us.

“Since we came third in the league (first round) people started writing us off. But with the togetherness of the team, the management and even the help of the government. The motivation, they never owed us anything.

STEPHEN MANYO: I DIDN’T SEE IT COMING SO SOON

“My decision to join Enyimba was perfect. Coming here I never knew what the future would hold for me and coming to a big side for the first time I knew there would be many challenges.

“I never saw it coming that this particular season I would become a champion. I would say I give God all the glory and I know and believe that as it has started coming like this more are to come.”

BENJAMIN FRANCIS: IT IS A THING OF JOY

“I have won the FA Cup back to back when I was with Heartland. Concerning the league, I’ve come second when I was with Nasarawa United but I’ve been praying and wishing that one day I will win the league and thank God I’ve won it now with Enyimba so I’m very grateful and excited about it.

“It’s a thing of joy because this is what I’ve been praying for. Winning the league is higher than the FA Cup.

“The fans are very wonderful people because they risk their lives. Anywhere we are going they always come there with their support and when they start to support you, you’ll just feel at home. You’ll not even feel that you’re playing away. So it motivates us to do more in the pitch of play.”

Share on Facebook

Featured

Kudos to Nigeria’s First Lady, Customs, Others – CAVB Officials

Published

2 days ago

April 16, 2025

The Gleamer

…Says Nigeria is safe for international tournaments

By Joel Ajayi
In defiance of longstanding international perceptions suggesting Nigeria is unsafe, the recently concluded African Women’s Volleyball Club Championship in Abuja has rewritten the narrative. Officials from across the continent have hailed Nigeria as one of the safest places to host international tournaments.

The curtain has officially fallen on the competition, and once again, Egyptian giants Zamalek SC have made history—clinching their third consecutive title with a thrilling 3-1 victory over fierce rivals Al-Ahly. The final, held at the MKO Abiola National Stadium’s Indoor Arena on Sunday, April 13, 2025, was an electrifying encounter with set scores of 29-27, 22-25, 25-20, and 25-22.

In interviews conducted in Abuja, officials from the Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) expressed immense satisfaction with the event and extended heartfelt appreciation to the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; the Nigeria Customs Service; the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF); and all Nigerians whose efforts ensured the success of the tournament.

They praised Senator Oluremi Tinubu for championing women’s causes and for her role as the grand patron of the competition. Commendation also went to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and NVBF President, Musa Nimrod, for organizing what was widely described as a world-class event.

CAVB President, Bouchra Hajij, who also serves as the first Vice President of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), was full of praise for the hosts. She lauded the organization and the facilities provided, particularly by the Nigeria Customs Service, noting that Nigeria—and Africa at large—is more than capable of hosting high-level international competitions.

“We had hundreds of countries from all continents following this event online. Nigeria has proven itself as a safe country, equipped with top-class infrastructure and facilities,” Hajij stated. “With 16 teams from across Africa, everything went smoothly. I hope in the coming years, Nigeria will host more African championships—whether indoor or beach volleyball.”

She also extended gratitude to the Nigeria Olympic Committee and the media for their vital roles in the success of the championship, emphasizing the importance of media coverage in growing the sport.

Bai Dodou Jallow, President of the Gambia Volleyball Federation and Deputy President of the Kenya Volleyball Federation, also lauded the organizers. “With what we’ve seen from the NVBF and the Customs, this competition was held at the highest standard for women’s volleyball in Africa. The environment and organization were excellent,” he said. “Africa, especially black African countries, can now confidently compete at the global level.”

He called on the private sector to support volleyball in Nigeria and across Africa to ensure continued progress.

Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) Volleyball Club Technical Director, Paul Bitok, revealed his club plans to host the competition in 2026 after drawing inspiration from Nigeria’s hosting. “This is the best tournament I’ve witnessed in over 20 years of attending. Customs have proven they can host major competitions beyond Africa,” Bitok said.

Medical delegate from Benin Republic, Boni Nadege, described the tournament as “a celebration of women,” thanking the First Lady and Nigeria Customs for a well-organized event. “This proves that black African countries can also host major competitions to promote volleyball. We may not have reached the finals, but we’ve learned a lot.”

A delegate from Malawi, Japier Mhango, expressed deep appreciation to the Nigerian government and its people. “Our stay has been exceptional. We’ve been well taken care of, and this has been a well-organized tournament. The level of competition was impressive.”

As the final whistle sounded, Nigeria didn’t just host a volleyball championship—it hosted the continent, redefined perceptions, and reminded the world of its capability and hospitality.

Share on Facebook