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Volleyball: NAF Rocket VC records three wins at National Div 2

Published

2 years ago

October 10, 2023

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria Air Force (NAF) Rockets has recorded three wins at the ongoing 2nd phase of the 2023 National Division 2 Volleyball League in Kaduna State.

NAF Rockets defeated Sword VC 3-2 (24-26, 20-25, 25-23, 25-23, 15-11), Oluyole Spikers of Ibadan 3-0 (28-26, 25-12, 25-21) and Safety Spikers (25-17, 25-20, 25-15).

The Head Coach of Nigeria Air Force (NAF) Rockets, Master Warrant Officer Yakubu Zango identified unwavering support from the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar as their major source of motivation.

Zango expressed confidence in the ability of his players to succeed going forward and pledged to consolidate their performance.

He said, “I feel excited recording three wins in three games and lack words to describe the performance of the players.

“It means the NAF Rockets volleyball club is back through the instrumentality of the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, and of course the Director of Sports; the team is in the Division 2 League to make a definite statement.

“The motivation in the first place is that the Chief of Air Staff is solidly behind the team because he is interested in their success of and knows what we want.

“Anytime the team makes a request, he grants it. We are the only team in the country to fly to the venue of the league at the first phase in Owerri, Imo State”.

He said NAF has a bright chance of making it to the Nigeria Division 1 Volleyball League.

Zango said, “I don’t expect anything less than success and qualification to the National Division 1. If we have quality time to prepare, the sky will be our starting point”.

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Riyadh 2025: Nigeria’s Boxing Contingent Departs for Saudi Arabia

Published

15 hours ago

November 4, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Team Nigeria’s boxing contingent has officially departs the shores of the country for Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, ahead of the 6th edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games, taking place from November 7 to 21, 2025.

The team forms a vital part of Nigeria’s contingent at the multi-sport event, which gathers athletes from across over 55 nations globally. Nigeria’s participation reflects the nation’s commitment to expanding its global sporting profile and using sport as a tool for unity, national pride, and youth development.

Chief de Mission, Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, described the Riyadh Games as a “crucial aspect of Nigeria’s strategic sports development plan,” emphasizing that the event serves as both a test of preparation and a pathway toward greater international success, including at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

He reaffirmed the NSC’s commitment to ensuring that Nigerian athletes receive the necessary support to excel on global platforms.

“This is more than just another international competition; it is a vital stepping-stone for our athletes toward Olympian ambitions,” Hon. Bukola Olopade said ahead of the team’s departure.

“Our team is prepared, focused, and hungry for success. We carry the hopes of the nation with us to Riyadh,” Hon. Olopade added.
Nigeria has maintained a strong presence at the Games since the inaugural edition in 2005. Over the years, the country’s athletes have recorded success across various sporting categories.

The contingent is led by experienced coaches and supported by technical staff dedicated to achieving peak performance levels.

As the competition gets set to begin in Riyadh, all eyes will be on the Nigerian contingent to deliver a performance that reinforces the country’s reputation as one of Africa’s leading sporting nations.

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