The President Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Engineer Musa Nimrod has urged the Federal Government to revive training facilities at Mambilla, Plateau state for training of marathoners.
Nimrod made the call after the successful completion of the maiden edition of the Kaduna Half Marathon on Saturday.
Nimrod who participated in the 5km race, said that if the training facility is set up in Mambilla, it will give Nigerian athletes comparative advantage and improve their skills.
He said, "This is a wake up call for the Federal Government of Nigeria to rehabilitate the Mambila facilities. In the past, the country had great Marathon athletes who trained in Mambila but it is now a shadow of itself.
"I have a strong feeling that if this is done, Nigeria athletes will give East African athletes a run for their money".
The NVBF President said that he started running in marathons over fourty years ago and still runs 5km daily.
He commended the Kaduna State Government for organising the marathon as well as Nilayo Sports Management, while expressing confidence that the bold step is rewakening marathon competitions in the country.
"I started long distance race over 40 years ago and the half marathon race 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. Nilayo Sports Management also brought is wealth of experience in rebranding the marathon event here".
On the Volleyball League which kicks off on today in Ilorin, he said it is a big event attracting teams from all over the country.
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