Sports
NVBF Set To Groom Discovered Talents
Technical Director, Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Martins Melandi says the federation will groom discovered talents in the President Beach Volleyball Competition, to become international athletes.
Melandi said this in an interview with newsmen in Kaduna.
He said the competition had uncovered more talents capable of making Nigeria proud.
“Those discovered will be called and groomed for future engagements,” he said.
Melandi expressed satisfaction over the standard of play in the three-day competition held in Kaduna, which attracted teams from all over Nigeria.
“I am impressed that great skills and techniques were exhibited as well as discovery of several talents,” he said.
He tasked the players to remain active when they return to their various states, saying such posture would guarantee their being fit and in good form.
Similarly, the President of the Association, Musa Nimrod told newsmen that he was confident of Nigeria’s qualification for Tokyo 2020.
“We must be in the Olympics at Tokyo, we must put our heads together because any divided house cannot succeed. We must be in one spirit.
“I am being challenged that for the Tokyo Olympics, Nigeria would host the second round for female qualifiers, the males are going to Mozambique to compete.
”You have to beat Kenya in Abuja, we cannot host and lose. Let’s not criticise each other, let’s be united.
“For the senior team, you have two weeks to the qualifiers to the last round and we must clinch the tickets,” he said.
Nimrod said that Nigeria would feature in the African Nation’s Cup Under-19, and expressed optimism that the country would get good representation based on the standard of play and skills displayed during the President’s Cup.
“Nigeria will host U-18 Volleyball Indoor this year. Also, the league will soon commence for the indoor volleyball,” he said.
Nimrod said that he was excited that Beach Volleyball was the only beach game to feature at the forthcoming National Sports Festival (NSF) in March in Edo.
“It is an indication that the sport is gaining more popularity.
“I want to see a good game at the NSF. Other sports want to have beach competition in NSF, but only Beach Volleyball got it,” he said.
The National Division One and Division Two Volleyball Leagues organised by the Volleyball Federation of Nigeria and sponsored by Alex Otti has kicked off in Umuahia, Abia State.
The Championship features 34 teams from across the country, with about 22 States already participating in activities lined up for the ten-day event.
Addressing journalists at the Umuahia Stadium, the Referee Coach for the tournament and Vice Chairman Nigerian Volleyball Referees Association, Mohamed Mohamed, assured of fair officiating in the competition and advised the athletes to be more disciplined in the field of play, saying that volleyball is known to be a disciplined sport.
He also commended Governor Alex Otti for sponsoring the tournament for the second time.
“Last year, we were here, and we so appreciate the Abia State Government for sponsoring such a competition. The same thing happened this year too, we are here again.
The Coordinator, Lagos Women Run, Tayo Popoola, has stated that the All Women 10km Race aims to connect through their communities, while creating empowerment opportunities.
The 10th edition with the theme: “One Run, a thousand Opportunities,” will come up on the November 8th, 2025, with the start point at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere and end at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Arena, Onikan.
This year’s edition of the Lagos Women Run marks a significant milestone, celebrating the program’s journey, the vibrant city of Lagos, and the incredible women who have been part of it since its inception.
It will focus more on empowering women, acknowledging their dedication, and ensuring the program’s sustainability by providing participants with opportunities they deserve.
Popoola added that the race has achieved remarkable success in making women happy and uncovering talents, serving as a platform for participants to train for bigger road races, which fosters a strong sense of community, allowing women of all ages to connect, network, and celebrate themselves.
The event’s non-discriminatory nature makes it a level playing ground, open to everyone regardless of social status, by promoting general well-being among women.
The Franco-Malian tactician made the bold declaration whilst speaking to Nigerian legend Segun Odegbami on 90 Minutes with Mathematical on Eagle7FM on Saturday, expressing gratitude to fans for their support.
“Thanks to the fans. Thanks to Nigeria. I am so happy that I have brought back the smiles on their faces,” Chelle said.
“We beat Benin because the fans pushed the players. I ask them this: They have to do this (for the playoffs)… I plan to do my best for Nigeria, and Inshallah, we will go to the FIFA World Cup.”
Chelle, who took charge of a struggling Nigerian side in January, has transformed the team’s fortunes after inheriting a squad on the brink of disaster. Nigeria were winless in their first four qualifiers, with three draws and one defeat threatening to derail another World Cup dream.
Under his leadership, the Super Eagles rallied to win four and draw two of their last six games, collecting 14 points from a possible 18. The highlight came earlier this month in Uyo, where Nigeria swept past Benin Republic 4-0 in a statement victory that reignited national belief.
However, the revival was not enough to seal automatic qualification. Nigeria finished among the four best runners-up in Africa and must now navigate a continental playoff in November for a spot in next March’s intercontinental tie.
The first challenge is a one-legged showdown with Gabon, with Cameroon or DR Congo potentially waiting beyond.
Chelle’s message to his players was uncompromising, saying, “Qualifying for the FIFA World Cup is not a war, but it is like a war… My players need to have a warrior state of mind… They have to be like sharks.”