Sports
NDSF: How Bayelsa volleyball star nearly quit and overcame frustration
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.
Sports
Montage Community Football Tourney Registration Ends October 30
Cyril Ogar
Registration for the 2026 edition of the Montage Community Football Tournament will close on Friday, October 30, organisers have announced.
The tournament coordinator, Mr Raphael Ekpang, disclosed this on Thursday, urging interested teams across the six Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to take advantage of the remaining days to register.
Ekpang said registration had been ongoing since Monday, encouraging eligible teams to complete the process before the deadline.
The tournament, themed “Montage FM 99.7: Empowering Youth, Uniting Communities Through Football,” is scheduled to kick off on November 3, 2026, with playoffs across the six Area Councils of the FCT.
The grand finale will hold on December 5, 2026, at the Old Parade Ground, Garki Area 10, Abuja, where the top four teams will compete for first-, second- and third-place honours.
A total of 48 teams will participate in the competition, with eight teams representing each of the six Area Councils.
The participating teams will compete for cash prizes worth over ₦2 million and other valuable rewards.
-
Featured7 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured7 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured7 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured7 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Featured7 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
-
Sports4 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News2 years agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
