Nigeria Will Excel in Sports This Year — President NVBF

By Austin Ajayi, Yola

The President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Engr. Musa Nimord, has expressed optimism that Nigeria’s profile in sports will rise significantly in 2026, saying the country is witnessing renewed commitment and progress across various sporting disciplines.

Engr. Nimord stated this in Yola while speaking with journalists on the future of beach volleyball and sports development in Nigeria. He noted that sports in the country had not enjoyed adequate attention and support in the past until recently.

He commended the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC), led by Mallam Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olopade, for their proactive and strategic approach to sports administration.

The NVBF president, who also serves as President of the Africa Beach Volleyball Commission, praised the Nigerian Beach Volleyball Youth Team for winning a gold medal at the recently concluded African Youth Games in Angola.

“Our beach volleyball teams are making waves, not only in Nigeria but also on the global stage. This year will be very busy for volleyball and other sports,” he said.

Engr. Nimord also expressed confidence in the Super Eagles, who are currently participating in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, praying that the team would clinch the trophy for the fourth time.

He described Nigeria’s 2026 sporting calendar as rich and promising, citing major events such as the National Intermediate Games, National Sports Festival, and National Youth Games, which he said would positively impact both athletes and the nation.

The volleyball boss, who is also one of the National Grand Patrons of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), commended Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for completing the Adamawa State stadium, which had been abandoned for over three decades and is now ready for commissioning.

“What the governor has done for youths and sports lovers in Adamawa State cannot be overemphasised. This project will not only create livelihoods for our teeming youths but will also generate revenue for the state,” he said.

Engr. Nimord called on wealthy individuals and corporate organisations to collaborate with government efforts in developing sports, stressing that no matter how committed a government may be, it cannot achieve sustainable sports development alone.