[Sports] Tiamiyu: African volleyball champion with massive goals

Tiamiyu: African volleyball champion with massive goals.

“I am so sorry I missed your call earlier, I become in a schooling then and I had to fast return your name right now after I saw that you had tried to attain out to me. During my amusement time I like to teach because that’s the only way I can live in shape and enhance on my game because I have a goal,” Ismail Tiamiyu, a volleyball participant, stated in a cellphone verbal exchange with our correspondent after numerous attempts to reach him.

Tiamiyu’s mindset and backbone are a true mirrored image of a quote through genius German scientist, Albert Einstein, “Those who dare to dream regularly have a broader perspective in lifestyles and can flip the unbelievable to the feasible.”

The teen from Kwara State, in a talk with PUNCH Sports Extra, stated his dream was to play volleyball at the very best degree, no matter the challenges and limitations the united states of america posed to younger aspiring athletes.

“The goal for me is to intention higher and at some point leave Nigeria to play abroad as it has usually been my dream to go to the United States and play volleyball on the biggest level,” he stated.

“I have been following some teams and excessive faculties over there, so, I can see how they play the sport there in comparison to ours and I am assured that I gets there at some point.”

The meteoric upward push of the youngster has stuck many humans through marvel, having most effective began gambling the game 3 years in the past.

At 16, Tiamiyu, who currently performs for OFFA VC in Kwara, become a part of the Nigerian crew that conquered Africa on the currently concluded Men’s U-19 African Volleyball Championship in Morocco, beating Egypt three-0 within the final and additionally e book a place at subsequent year’s U-19 FIVB Boys’ World Championship.

Reflecting at the fulfillment in North Africa he stated, “It was a first rate revel in over there and we proved our well worth in opposition to sturdy oppositions and we conquered them.

“Generally, it turned into a massive publicity for us travelling overseas and also help Nigeria qualify for the World Championships. I sense so proud and I wish to preserve to work more difficult and acquire more laurels.”

While soccer and basketball are considered two of the most moneymaking sports activities in the world, the teen stated his ardour and love for volleyball knew no bounds, announcing cash turned into now not a thing in him choosing to grow to be a volleyball player.

“I know a lot of Nigerians are so passionate about football or other sports because of the money involved but I decided to go for volleyball because of my passion for the game, and it has always been about the game,” Tiamiyu said.

“The thought of playing football has never crossed my mind because a lot of footballers are there struggling but I am where I believe I can make a name for myself.”

Gone are the days when parents opposed their children’s decision to take sports as a career, and as we’ve seen in recent times, a lot of Nigerian parents now support their kids, financially and otherwise, to pursue their ambition in sports.

Tiamiyu’s case isn’t different and he confirmed he had always had the backing of his parents.

“In all honesty, my parents have always been in support of me playing volleyball and I am equally grateful to them for giving me the chance to do so while always pursuing my academics.”

The 16-year-old is currently in his first year at the Federal Polytechnic, Offa.

Speaking to PUNCH Sports Extra on the immense talents of the up-and-coming talent, Media Assistant to the President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Dare Kuti, said he wasn’t surprised with the player’s development because of his humility and willingness to learn.

He said, “He is cool-headed and a player who has shown the willingness to improve in his game. He wants to learn from liberos in the senior team and sees most of the senior players as his role models.

“He is one of the best volleyball youngsters in the country and there is no denying the fact that he will go far because he has the talent, skills and determination to achieve that.”