Hundreds of U18 volleyball players are expected to storm Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna for the National Open U18 Boys and Girls Camp billed for 31st May to 4th June, 2023.
The open camp is to select players who will represent the country for the 2023 African U17 Boys and Girls Nations Championship scheduled to hold from 6th to 16th July, 2023 in Nigeria.
The Technical Representative on the board of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Chief Martin Melandi revealed that the Federation wants to create a level playing ground for players from different parts of the country.
Melandi cautioned academy and state coaches to avoid releasing overaged players for the open camp.
He said, “The Federation has a policy which encourages equity and fairness in the selection of players for the national teams. We are trying to select the best hands that can make the country proud ahead of the African U17 Boys and Girls Nations Championship to be hosted by Nigeria in July.
“I am making an appeal to all the coaches in the various academies and states not to send players over the age of 18 years old. I am aware the National Youth Games is a platform where children under the age of 15 participates and I have seen younger players feature in the Division 1 and 2 Leagues respectively.
“Players who will be participating in the Division 1 and 2 Leagues are exempted from the open camp as coaches will be sent to select more players leagues in Imo State.
“The Federation wants to set a standard where we can be sure of parading younger players who stand the test of time in the next decade.”
The former international national referee commended the board member of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation for ensuring the open camp is embarked on to select players.
