AAG: NSF Players To Strengthen Volleyball Squad

The Secretary of Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Patrick Abobi,  has said that some players discovered at the National Sports Festival would be integrated into the national team to strengthen the squad.

Abobi told newsmen yesterday in Lagos that the team now stood a better chance of being among the top three at the All Africa Games scheduled for Mozambique in September.

“I am certain that with the integration of the discovered players and the old players, we will do well at the Games in Mozambique,” he said.

The secretary said that 15 of the discovered talents were already in camp with the old players in Abuja preparing for the Games.

Meanwhile, the players have pleaded with the government to assist with the development of the sport through provision of facilities at the grass roots and better funding of the federation.

Kayode Adebayo, who has been in the national team for six years, said that he was optimistic of Nigeria’s chances at the All Africa Games, adding that they had been in camp a week before the National Sports Festival.

“With intense training and good welfare package, we hope to do well.

“However, if an adequate welfare package is not in place, it can affect players psychologically,” he said.

Another player, Emeka Daniels, said that with their early preparation, the country was sure to be among the top three at the continental games.

“I am certain that with early preparation, we will excel at the continental games and government should please come to the aid of other sports,” Daniels said.

A women volleyball action between Rivers and Lagos State during the just-concluded 17th National Sports Festival, Garden City Games, 2011