NVBF boss Nimrod ‘beats’ athletes at Kaduna Marathon 5km race

• Wants FG to revive Mambilla Plateau training centre

The President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) Engr. Musa Nimrod, tested his strength against younger athletes at the maiden Kaduna Marathon and came out victorious in the event held at the weekend. Nimrod participated in the 5km event, and even finished the race ahead of some athletes.

The NVBF boss, who revealed that he started running marathon races over 40 years ago, said he makes it a duty to run 5km daily. Nimrod told The Guardian after the race: “The half marathon in Kaduna brought back memories of my younger days. I commend the state government for organising the race, and I am optimistic this will have a positive effect on the state.”

He praised Nilayo Sports Management for bringing its wealth of experience in the Kaduna marathon event, while urging the Federal Government to revive training facilities at Mambilla Plateau in Taraba State for training of marathoners.

“If the training facility in Mambilla Plateau is given a facelift, it will give Nigerian athletes comparative advantage and improve their skills.

“This Kaduna Marathon is a wake up call for the Federal Government to rehabilitate the Mambilla facilities. In the past, the country had great marathon athletes, who trained in Mambilla Plateau, but it is now a shadow of itself. I have a strong feeling that if this is done, Nigerian athletes will give East Africans a run for their money.”

He also spoke on the Volleyball League, which kicked off yesterday in Ilorin, describing it as a big event for teams from across the country.