By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Engineer Musa Nimrod, has urged stakeholders to unite behind the country’s men’s volleyball team as it prepares for the 2026 African Nations Cup finals in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Nigeria secured its place at the continental championship after an unbeaten run at the Zone 3 qualifiers, with the tournament winner set to claim Africa’s sole qualification ticket to the Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Speaking after the team’s qualification, Nimrod said the federation would leave no stone unturned in its quest for continental success and an Olympic berth.
“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.
“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 quality, assuring that the federation would provide the necessary support to help the players compete for the continental title.
Nimrod credited Nigeria’s recent success to the federation’s sustained investment in grassroots and youth development, noting that the current senior squad has grown together through the age-grade ranks.
“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 the federation’s long-term vision, Nimrod said lessons learned from the post-2003 All Africa Games era have helped shape a stronger transition from youth to senior volleyball.
“One of the biggest mistakes we made after the 2003 All Africa Games 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.”
Nigeria will now shift focus to preparations for the African Nations Cup finals, where the team will chase a historic continental title and Africa’s only ticket to the volleyball event at the Los Angeles Olympic Games.
