By Joel Ajayi
A veteran volleyball enthusiast has reaffirmed his commitment to promoting grassroots volleyball, saying his involvement in park volleyball is driven by a passion to inspire the younger generation and revive the culture of community-based sports.
Speaking during a first edition of park volleyball session inside the Package B of Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja on Saturday, the President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation NVBF
Engr Musa Nimrod recalled his early years in the sport, noting that his desire to give back comes from how the game shaped his childhood.
“I want to show an example to the young ones coming behind us. I started in 1977 as a ball picker when I was a kid, and I grew up around the Flying Horses team,” he said. “So I want this new generation to take something from us the same way we learned from our seniors.”
He explained that park volleyball is not just recreational but an avenue for mentorship, talent discovery, and community bonding.
“Park volleyball is part of our constitution and part of our advocacy. When young players see us play, it inspires them. Today you can see how the young ones and the older ones all came together. That’s the beauty of park volleyball,” he said.
The veteran noted that equipment remains a major challenge, stressing the need for more soft balls suitable for players of different age categories.
“We want to get more soft balls because the V200 is too hard for the younger ones. We plan to invite more senior players, visit different parks, and expand the initiative. We want everyone to connect with the game,” he said.
He emphasized that park volleyball is easy to adopt, requiring only balls and simple tape markings, making it accessible to communities and families.
“You can even play it in your compound. It’s a game that helps you relax, exercise, and maintain your health. Look at how many calories we’ve burned today — that’s good for everyone,” he added.
He expressed optimism that the participation rate will continue to grow as more young people embrace the sport.
“Our inspiration is to keep increasing the numbers and spreading the goodness of the game. We are encouraging it everywhere,” he concluded.
In her remarked North Central Chairperson of Park Volleyball a NVBF board Member representing North central Bolcit Amakiri stated that the initiative will help Groom Next Generation of Stars
The drive to promote park volleyball in Nigeria is gaining momentum, aligning with the vision of Nigeria Volleyball Federation President, Musa Nimrod, to create stronger engagement among stakeholders and expand the sport’s reach nationwide.
According to the head of the newly inaugurated Park Volleyball Commission, the game is not new globally but remains relatively fresh in Nigeria, despite being fully approved by the FIVB. He noted that the commission, inaugurated less than three months ago, was eager to end the year with an exhibition event that would bring all stakeholders together to discuss the future of the sport.
She emphasized that volleyball cannot thrive through the federation’s efforts alone, stressing the need for collective involvement to drive meaningful progress.
Speaking on youth participation, she explained that park volleyball is strategically designed to attract younger players. With veteran athletes gradually bowing out, the commission aims to groom a new generation capable of representing Nigeria at international competitions and eventually competing for podium finishes.
She added that the initiative forms part of a medium-term plan to rebuild Nigerian volleyball and restore the country’s presence on the global stage
Four team which include team Board member, team Stakeholder, Team Coaches and Veteran Team all participated in the games that brought joy, laughter and Glamour at the stadium.
Others indoor Games played includes, Chess, Ludo, and Traditional Ayo Olopon.
