Sunshine Spikers player Daniel Nathaniel said leading the nation’s volleyball team to the 2019 African Games in Morocco was an honour.
Nathaniel told www.aclsports.com that not every player who wore the colours of the national team had the opportunity to captain the team.
The national team setter said, “Been the captain of the Nigeria men’s volleyball team to the 2019 African Games in Morocco meant a lot to me and it was a great honour. It is one thing for you to be called to play for the country and another to serve as a leader.
“It’s God grace because not everyone that played for the national team had that opportunity”.
He attributed discipline, hardwork and financial backing of the Ondo State Government to the success of Sunshine Spikers.
Nathaniel said qualifying for the 2020 Nigeria Volleyball Premier League meant a lot to the team.
He said, “A lot of things contributed to our success but I will first start by thanking the Ondo state government for giving us the financial backing because without it there will be no team. Secondly, we have a very discipline coach who once place the game and understand the game. Thirdly, we worked hard, focus and above all we were discipline.
“I am happy Sunshine Spikers qualified for the 2020 Nigeria Volleyball Premier League because the dream of every top player to play in premier league been the highest place one can play the game in every country”.
He further said, “Sunshine Spikers have the potential of making a mark at the African Club Championship. We have been there before and our performance was decent. It is on record than in the past 10 years, Sunshine Spikers of Ondo state has attended more international championship than any state in the country”.
“The one thing I will change if having the opportunity in Nigeria volleyball is the way we prepare for our international championships because our preparation towards international games is poor. This problem affects all sports in the country that is why we need the private sector to key into sports”, Nathaniel told www.aclsports.com
The national team setter listed the names of setters who he look up to in the country.
He said, “Nigeria is blessed with great setters which really helped me to who I am today. The likes of Sani Mohammed, Eze Chiemeka, Musa Baba Musa, Sunday Akapson, Emmanuel Samuel and Yohanna Tswevin inspired me in the game of volleyball. I am blessed because I learnt from the best.
He advised upcoming players to remain humble while learning the game of volleyball.
He said, “I think this will come as advice to the younger once. Put your head down, be discipline, work hard and be focus. Life without commitment is not a life at all some be committed in whatever you do.
He said after retiring from volleyball, he hopes to become one of the leading LED Company in the country.
Nathaniel said “Being a graduate of Electrical Electronics Engineering, I own a private company (Dannath LED-Lighthouse) which deals with design and construction of LED signage board’s both programmable and stable type. My dream after volleyball is to become one of the leading LED Company in the country”.
