Nigeria has expressed confidence of securing qualification for both the CAVB Zone 3 Volleyball Nations Championship and the African Nations Beach Volleyball Championship following impressive performances in the ongoing third edition of the CGC Volleyball Premier League.
Speaking on the sidelines of the competition in Abuja, the Second Vice President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Architect Adamu Tenimu, said the domestic league has witnessed a significant improvement in quality and has provided the federation with the right platform to identify players for the country’s upcoming continental assignments.
“We’ve not had it this way before. Most importantly, the quality of the league has tremendously improved. We also have the presence of many Nigerian players who are professionals abroad and have returned to grace our league,” Tenimu said.
He explained that the federation intentionally used the league to scout players capable of representing Nigeria at the CAVB Zone 3 Volleyball Nations Championship qualifiers, adding that the objective has been achieved.
“We needed to get Nigerians that will represent the nation in our upcoming competitions. The league has provided us with the platform to identify these players, and I can assure you that we have successfully selected players we believe can adequately represent the country,” he stated.
Tenimu disclosed that the national teams will begin camping in Abuja next week as preparations intensify ahead of the Zone 3 qualifiers.
Also speaking, the Welfare Officer of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation and Chairperson of the CAVB Zone 3 Beach Volleyball Commission, Mrs. Dorcas Odedede, expressed optimism over Nigeria’s chances at the upcoming CAVB Zone 3 Beach Volleyball Qualifiers in Badagry, Lagos State.
According to her, the beach volleyball teams have been in camp since last week under the supervision of the national coaches and are in top condition for the tournament.
“The players have been in camp since last week to ensure they are in top form for the Badagry qualifiers. As of this morning, we are positive that Nigeria will qualify for the African Nations Beach Volleyball Championship,” she said.
Odedede further disclosed that Nigeria’s women’s team has already secured qualification for the continental championship, while expressing confidence that the men’s team will also earn its place.
“To add to that, the female team have already qualified, and we are confident in the quality of players we are presenting. These are players who recently returned with gold medals, and we believe they will make the country proud,” she added.
Nigeria will host the CAVB Zone 3 African Nations Beach Volleyball Qualifiers in Badagry, Lagos State, from July 3 to 7, with eight West African countries expected to compete for qualification to the African Nations Beach Volleyball Championship.
By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
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