Sports
Veteran Volleyball Enthusiast Champions Grassroots Development, Inspires Young Players Through Park Volleyball Initiative
By Joel Ajayi
A veteran volleyball enthusiast has reaffirmed his commitment to promoting grassroots volleyball, saying his involvement in park volleyball is driven by a passion to inspire the younger generation and revive the culture of community-based sports.
Speaking during a first edition of park volleyball session inside the Package B of Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja on Saturday, the President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation NVBF Engr Musa Nimrod recalled his early years in the sport, noting that his desire to give back comes from how the game shaped his childhood.
“I want to show an example to the young ones coming behind us. I started in 1977 as a ball picker when I was a kid, and I grew up around the Flying Horses team,” he said. “So I want this new generation to take something from us the same way we learned from our seniors.”
He explained that park volleyball is not just recreational but an avenue for mentorship, talent discovery, and community bonding.
“Park volleyball is part of our constitution and part of our advocacy. When young players see us play, it inspires them. Today you can see how the young ones and the older ones all came together. That’s the beauty of park volleyball,” he said.
The veteran noted that equipment remains a major challenge, stressing the need for more soft balls suitable for players of different age categories.
“We want to get more soft balls because the V200 is too hard for the younger ones. We plan to invite more senior players, visit different parks, and expand the initiative. We want everyone to connect with the game,” he said.
He emphasized that park volleyball is easy to adopt, requiring only balls and simple tape markings, making it accessible to communities and families.
“You can even play it in your compound. It’s a game that helps you relax, exercise, and maintain your health. Look at how many calories we’ve burned today — that’s good for everyone,” he added.
He expressed optimism that the participation rate will continue to grow as more young people embrace the sport.
“Our inspiration is to keep increasing the numbers and spreading the goodness of the game. We are encouraging it everywhere,” he concluded.
In her remarked North Central Chairperson of Park Volleyball a NVBF board Member representing North central Bolcit Amakiri stated that the initiative will help Groom Next Generation of Stars.
The drive to promote park volleyball in Nigeria is gaining momentum, aligning with the vision of Nigeria Volleyball Federation President, Musa Nimrod, to create stronger engagement among stakeholders and expand the sport’s reach nationwide.
According to the head of the newly inaugurated Park Volleyball Commission, the game is not new globally but remains relatively fresh in Nigeria, despite being fully approved by the FIVB.
She noted that the commission, inaugurated less than three months ago, was eager to end the year with an exhibition event that would bring all stakeholders together to discuss the future of the sport.
NVBF Board Member emphasized that volleyball cannot thrive through the federation’s efforts alone, stressing the need for collective involvement to drive meaningful progress.Speaking on youth participation, he explained that park volleyball is strategically designed to attract younger players.
With veteran athletes gradually bowing out, the commission aims to groom a new generation capable of representing Nigeria at international competitions and eventually competing for podium finishes.
She added that the initiative forms part of a medium-term plan to rebuild Nigerian volleyball and restore the country’s presence on the global stage.
Four team which include team Board member, team Stakeholder, Team Coaches and Veteran Team all participated in the games that brought joy, laughter and Glamour at the stadium.
Others indoor Games played includes, Chess, Ludo, and Traditional Ayo Olopon.
Sports
NSC DG, Olopade Celebrates Nigeria at 66, Assures of More Progressive Sports Development Under President Tinubu
Joel Ajayi
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has congratulated Nigerians as the nation celebrates its 66th Independence Anniversary, describing the milestone as a reflection of Nigeria’s resilience, unity and remarkable capacity to excel on the global stage, particularly through sports.
Hon. Olopade said Nigeria at 66 is an occasion every Nigerian should be proud of, noting that despite the challenges encountered over the years, the country has continued to make significant progress and produce achievements capable of inspiring generations.
The DG said the sports sector has particular reasons to celebrate, pointing to a series of performances and milestones by Nigerian athletes and teams across the global sporting landscape.
“Today, we celebrate the resilience of our people, the strength of our unity and our belief in the promise of our great country, especially through sports.
“As we raise our flag with pride, may we remain committed to building a nation where every Nigerian has the opportunity to dream, thrive and succeed.”
Hon. Olopade said the progress being witnessed in Nigerian sports aligns with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria Sports Development (RHINSE), which he said is focused on creating a stronger and more sustainable pathway for athletes, while positioning sports as a tool for national development, youth empowerment and global recognition.
He pointed to Nigeria’s outstanding performance at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games as one of the latest examples of the country’s sporting potential. Team Nigeria returned from Glasgow with 24 medals, comprising 10 gold, seven silver and seven bronze, finishing seventh overall and as the highest-ranked African nation at the Games. The campaign also produced three world records and a number of historic milestones across para powerlifting, athletics, weightlifting, para athletics and judo.
Among the standout performances was that of Team Nigeria captain Folashade Oluwafemiayo, who won gold in para powerlifting and twice broke the world record during the competition, ultimately lifting 175kg. Goodness Nwachukwu also successfully defended her Commonwealth title in the women’s para discus and set a new world record, while Nigeria recorded historic Commonwealth gold medals through Samuel Ogazi in the men’s 400m, Ezekiel Nathaniel in the men’s 400m hurdles and Chukwuebuka Enekwechi in the men’s shot put.
“Today, Nigeria is a global force in para-sports, and athletes such as Folashade Oluwafemiayo and Goodness Nwachukwu continue to demonstrate the extraordinary talent and determination that exist within our country,” Hon. Olopade said.
He also celebrated the continued dominance of D’Tigress, Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, which in 2025 became the first nation to win five consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket titles after defeating Mali 78-64 in the final in Abidjan in the last edition. The achievement extended Nigeria’s unbeaten run in the competition to 29 games and secured qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup pathway.
On the global athletics scene, Hon. Olopade highlighted the continued excellence of Tobi Amusan and the emergence of a new generation of Nigerian sprinters. Amusan won silver in the women’s 100m hurdles at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest in September 2026, clocking 12.34 seconds in the final, while Kayinsola Ajayi added another significant milestone by winning Commonwealth bronze in the men’s 100m and helping Nigeria to bronze in the men’s 4x100m relay in Glasgow.
Nigeria’s football heritage, Hon. Olopade noted, remains another major source of national pride. The country holds the record for the most FIFA U-17 World Cup titles, with five championships won by the Golden Eaglets in 1985, 1993, 2007, 2013 and 2015.
He also pointed to the country’s growing influence in emerging sports, including flag football. Nigeria made history by winning both the men’s and women’s titles at the inaugural IFAF Africa Flag Football Championship in Cairo in 2025, earning qualification for the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships ahead of the sport’s Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028.
“These achievements across athletics, para-sports, basketball, football, weightlifting, flag football and other sports remind us that Nigeria possesses immense sporting talent,” the DG said.
“From our champions who continue to break world records to our young athletes who are announcing themselves on the international stage, the Nigerian flag continues to fly with pride around the world. This is why the development of sports must remain a national priority. Our responsibility is not only to celebrate champions after they emerge, but to build the systems, facilities, competitions and opportunities that allow more young Nigerians to become champions.”
“As we celebrate 66 years of our independence, we celebrate Nigeria’s past, but we must also look confidently toward the future. Our athletes have shown us what is possible when talent meets opportunity, preparation and support. The task before us is to ensure that more Nigerians have that opportunity,” the DG added.
“On behalf of the National Sports Commission, I wish all Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary. May our great nation continue to grow in strength, unity, prosperity and sporting excellence,” Hon. Olopade concluded.
-
Featured7 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured6 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
