Sports

NDSF: How Bayelsa volleyball star nearly quit and overcame frustration

Published

2 years 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

Nigeria Volleyball Reporters Congratulates Oguntimehin On Election As Fct Swan Chairman

Published

1 day ago

November 12, 2026

The Gleamer

The Nigeria Volleyball Reporters Association (NVRA) has congratulated Tolu Oguntimehin on his election as Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter.

NVRA described his emergence as an opportunity to strengthen sports journalism and advance the welfare of members.

Oguntimehin emerged victorious at the FCT SWAN elective congress held on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, defeating his challenger, Raphael Ekpang, by 88 votes to four.

In a congratulatory message, the Chairman of Nigeria Volleyball Reporters, Alhaji Ganiyu Oloyede described the election outcome as a testament to the confidence reposed in Oguntimehin by members of the association.

Oloyede expressed optimism that the new chairman would bring purposeful leadership, inclusiveness and renewed commitment to the development of sports journalism in the FCT.

He stressed that the responsibility of leading the association goes beyond occupying an office.

Oloyede noted that the new administration must prioritise members’ welfare, professional development, unity and the protection of their collective interests.

The NVR chairman also challenged the incoming leadership to create an enabling environment where sports journalists can thrive professionally, gain greater access to sporting events and contribute meaningfully to the growth of Nigerian sports.

He particularly welcomed Oguntimehin’s commitment to establishing a ₦200 million financial base for the association, describing the proposed initiative as an ambitious step towards building a financially stronger and more sustainable SWAN FCT.

Oloyede further emphasised the importance of collaboration among sports journalists, sports federations, government institutions and other stakeholders, maintaining that stronger partnerships would create more opportunities for members and improve the quality of sports reporting.

He urged the new executive to embrace transparency, accountability and open communication while ensuring that every member feels represented in the administration.

The Nigeria Volleyball Reporters reaffirmed its readiness to work with the new SWAN FCT leadership in promoting sports journalism, strengthening professional relationships and projecting Nigerian sports positively.

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