NVBF President Nimrod Eyes Olympic Spot as Nigeria Prepare for Nations Cup
President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Engineer Musa Nimrod, has called for greater support as Nigeria begins preparations for the 2026 African Nations Cup in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Nigeria booked their place at the continental championship after an impressive qualifying campaign in the Zone 3 tournament in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The competition will also determine Africa’s sole representative in men’s volleyball at the Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Nimrod said the federation would intensify preparations in August when the team enters a residential training camp.
“We have to put all our resources together to achieve our objective. Our preparations will intensify in August when the players move into camp. The programme will help them reach peak fitness and prepare properly for the championship.”
He stressed the importance of the tournament, noting that only one Olympic qualification ticket is available.
“We know what is at stake because the African Nations Cup also serves as the Olympic qualifier. We must do everything possible to give our team the best chance of securing that ticket.”
The NVBF president assured the players of the federation’s full backing as they prepare for the competition.
Nimrod credited the team’s recent success to the federation’s long-term commitment to youth development, explaining that most of the current senior players progressed through Nigeria’s age-grade teams.
“These players won back-to-back African Under-19 titles before advancing to the Under-21 level. They have stayed together for six or seven years, and that continuity is producing results.”
He added that another Under-19 team is already preparing for next week’s African Championship in Egypt, describing grassroots development as the foundation for sustained success.
Nimrod also reflected on lessons from the past, saying the federation had corrected the mistake of failing to replace ageing players after the 2003 All Africa Games.
“Today, we have a smooth transition from the youth teams to the senior national side. The players who represented Nigeria at Under-19 level are now leading the senior team. They are talented, energetic and ready to compete at the highest level.
“When you build the youth, you build a nation. That is the key to lasting success, and we believe this team can make Nigeria proud in Congo.”
