President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVF), Engineer Musa Nimrod says there is the need for states to develop grassroots sports in order for Nigeria to be ahead in sports.
Engineer Nimrod, who was at the opening ceremony of the 20th National Sports Festival condemn contracts being given to athletes as he tagged it as slavery, as he advised that states should support the federations so as to record more positives.
“Being privileged to witness the 1973 National Sports Festival as a young person, and growing in the military cantonment, sports was moving but you cannot compare those days during General Gowon and later Shagari regime, it is not easy to compare because that period, there was excess money.
“The love for money is so high now because money is scarce. And that is why athletes prefer to go for contract signing. Buying of athletes will not help Nigeria.
States must develop their grassroots. We must go back, let them work in conjunction with the federations, let them support the federations and welcome any federation that want to work with them. We will stop all this contract buying of athletes, it doesn’t happen anywhere.
Some of these states you will not hear one competition of the federation taking place until after another two years again where they start buying athletes, giving them six months allowances in preparation of the festival. It does not work like that”.
The Kaduna based sports administrator spoke about Team Nigeria performance so far in volleyball, and plans for the teams.
“We are going to Mexico for U-18 and Iran U-19, towards the end of the year. My desire is to see that we perform very well. My desire is to see Beach Volleyball go to Tokyo.”
Favour Itua