By Maxwell Kumoye
President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Engineer Musa Nimrod, has called for total commitment and support as Nigeria's men's volleyball team prepares for the 2026 African Nations Cup finals in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Nimrod made the remarks shortly after the team secured qualification for the continental championship, where the eventual winner will also earn Africa's lone qualification ticket to the Los Angeles Olympic Games.
"We have to put all our resources together to achieve our objective," Nimrod said.
"Our preparations will intensify in August when the team moves into training camp. The camp will help the players reach peak fitness and ensure they are fully prepared for the challenge ahead.” The volleyball boss stated.
"We know what is at stake because the tournament also serves as a qualification event for the Los Angeles Olympic Games. With only one qualification ticket available, we must do everything possible to give our team the best chance of securing it."
The NVBF president expressed confidence in the team's ability to compete at the highest level, assuring that the federation would provide every necessary support.
"We remain optimistic and are committed to providing the support needed for the team to succeed," he added.
Nimrod also attributed the team's resurgence to the federation's long-term investment in youth development, noting that the current senior squad is made up of players who progressed through Nigeria's age-grade programme.
"Our current senior players are products of a successful youth development system," he said.
"These players won back-to-back African Under-19 titles before progressing through the Under-21 level. They have grown together over the last six or seven years, and that continuity is now paying off.
"This is the true value of grassroots development. The best way to sustain success is to keep producing talented young players, which is why we are preparing another Under-19 team for the African Championship in Egypt next week."
Reflecting on lessons from the past, Nimrod said the federation has avoided the mistakes that followed the 2003 All Africa Games by ensuring a smooth transition from youth to senior level.
"One of the biggest mistakes we made after the 2003 All Africa Games (COJA) was failing to replace the ageing generation of players. There was no proper transition. Today, that has changed. The boys who were once Under-19 players have now stepped into the senior national team, and they are energetic, talented, and performing well.
"We are confident they will continue to shine at the upcoming championship in Congo. When you build the youth, you build a nation. That is the foundation of lasting success." Nimrod concluded.
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