SPORTS
Coach Decries Poor Infrastructure in Grassroots Volleyball
A volleyball coach, Stephen Peter, has urged government and stakeholders to support grassroots volleyball development in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Peter, a retired Deputy Superintendent of Police and coach of NY Spikers, said on Wednesday that poor infrastructure and inadequate funding were hindering the growth of young players.
“We urgently need intervention.
Talents abound here, but without facilities, their potential may never be realised,” he said.He identified the incomplete female court as a major challenge, estimating that it would cost between N8 million and N9 million to complete.
“Our female court is a priority.
Without it, training remains difficult, especially for our girls who deserve equal opportunities,” Peter said.He added that the high cost of volleyballs and other equipment had placed a financial burden on the club, which relies on personal funding.
“A single ball costs about N150,000. We fund everything ourselves because we have no sponsors,” he said.
Peter said the club also struggled to provide jerseys, footwear and kits for teenage players, noting that this affected their morale and performance.
“These children are committed, but lack of basic kits affects their morale and performance,” he said.
“In spite of the challenges, the club has produced players who have represented Nigeria at national and international levels.
“We have success stories. Some of our players now compete nationally and abroad, which shows what proper support can achieve,” he said.
He cited Rahmatu Ismail and Pamela Bawa as products of the club who are excelling at the continental level.
“These players started here. With better support, we can produce even more champions.”
Peter emphasised the role of the club in youth development and social engagement.
“We are keeping young people away from crime and drugs by engaging them in sports and discipline.
“We appeal to the FCT Minister and other stakeholders to invest in grassroots sports.
“We need facilities and equipment to build the future of Nigerian volleyball,” he added.
Also speaking, the club captain, Isah Moses, described poor facilities as a major setback.
“Our biggest challenge is lack of standard facilities, including balls, equipment and a functional court,” Moses said.
He noted that the women’s court had been in poor condition for over eight years, adding that about N10 million would be required to fix it.
“Government support will transform our training.
“I appeal to corporate organisations and individuals for assistance.
“We call on organisations and volleyball lovers to support us in developing our facilities,” Moses added.
The appeal underscores the need for increased investment in grassroots sports to nurture talents and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in volleyball globally.
From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa
Akinima/Biogbo FC of Ogboloma in Yenagoa Local Government Area and Okoroma United from Okoroma in Nembe LGA will battle for the ₦30,000,000 prize money in Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football fiesta, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, tagged the Prosperity Cup.
Akinima/Biogbo beat former champions, Krosaders FC of Peretorugbene by two goals to one in an encounter decided at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa, to qualify for the final of the tournament for the first time.
Defending champions, Afini Ladies of Amarata square up against Active Ladies in the women’s category.
Goals from Augustine Chidinma, Favour Ufiaka, Ogolo Blessing at halftime on 17, 25 and 30 minutes respectively gave Afini Ladies the well-deserved victory.Okoroma United in the first semi-final overpowered Mountain of the Lord Deliverance Ministry, MLDM FC by three goals to two to reach a historic tournament final.
A hat trick from Noble Erasmus on 5, 54, 73 minutes was all Okoroma needed to sail through. Goals by midfielder Omoro Bright on 45 minutes and James Ofiefemote just before the final whistle were not enough to see MLDM FC through to the final of the competition.
The third place match will see Krosaders FC up against MLDM FC of Odi at 3.00pm while Ezougha Queens will entertain Bayelsa Stars in the women’s category at 1.00pm.
The FC Barcelona/Prosperity Cup scouting programme entered day two with a beautiful display of football by players in the Under-15 and Under-19 categories.
The Prosperity Cup/Barcelona FC partnership, facilitated by Sylvester Okonkwo of Whiz-kid Ventures of the Netherlands, will culminate into the establishment of a world-class football academy in Yenagoa, where products of the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament would be nurtured and mentored as the historical signing of the MoU gets underway this weekend.
The Member representing Yenagoa Constituency 1 in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Chief Ayibanegiyefa Egba, noted that the competition has given a new direction to the development of female football in the State.
According to her, football has moved from a recreational activity to a money-spinnng venture, urging the young ladies to combine their sporting career alongside education, which will serve as a buffer after retirement from active sports.
A visibly satisfied coach of Akinima/Biogbo, Ibomotimi Fyneface in his post-match reaction, said the victory reflects the commitment and the determination of the team, pointing out that their aim was to lift the trophy and smile home with the N30 million prize money.
Also, Man of the match, Omasua Wisdom, said he was pleased with the show of determination by his team mates throughout the encounter and that their attention has now moved to the final of the tournament coming up on Friday, May 8, 2026.
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), has slammed Warri Wolves with a fine of N6m for the improper conduct of their fans in the matchday 36 encounter against Plateau United last weekend.
According to the NPFL, the club’s failure to provide adequate and effective security during the match enabled unauthorised individuals to access restricted areas of the stadium.
Warri Wolves’ supporters were also charged for engaging in unsporting behaviour capable of bringing the game into disrepute.
They showed gross misconduct towards match officials which caused a 10-minute delay in the match.
The club have also been directed to apprehend, and prosecute the perpetrator(s) of the incidents, and submit evidence to the NPFL.
As part of the punishment, Warri Wolves will play their remaining home matches this season behind closed doors.
Warri Wolves have 48 hours within the date of notice to appeal these sanctions.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons will find out their opponents for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games women’s football qualifiers this week.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced on Tuesday that the draw for the African qualifying series will take place on Wednesday at its headquarters in Cairo, Egypt.
The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 12 noon and will be streamed live on CAF TV.
A total of 35 national teams, including Super Falcons will participate in the qualifiers, which will be played over five rounds.
The other countries are; Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Comoros, Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea.
Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe are the other countries that will take part in the qualifiers.
Two teams will earn Africa’s slots at the women’s football tournament of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
The Super Falcons and Copper Queens of Zambia represented the continent at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.
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