Dutch star raring for Manila return for next year’s FIVB Worlds

The Netherlands’ Nimir Abdel Aziz during the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Manila leg.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Nimir Abdel-Aziz was honored to take part in the historic FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship 2025 Draw on Saturday at Solaire Grand Ballroom.

And he can’t wait to lead the Netherlands anew in front of the Filipino fans next year.

The Dutch volleyball star drew the teams for pool play in next year’s World Championship from September 12 to 28 at Smart Araneta Coliseum and Mall of Asia Arena with fellow ambassadors Nootsara Tomkom, a former Thailand women’s volleyball setter, and Tine Urnaut of Slovenia.

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Dutch star Nimir Abdel-Aziz after the FIVB #MWCH2025 draw @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/NYVa4N6kSf

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) September 15, 2024

“It was a nice event. The groups are even, it’s gonna be a really interesting tournament and I’m really looking forward to it,” Abdel-Aziz told reporters.

The world No. 13 Netherlands was drawn in Pool B with No. 1 team Poland, Qatar, and Romania.

“We know Poland is a really strong team but the good thing is the first two of the group will go to the next phase. Our first goal is going to be to [surpass] the group [stage] and I think that’s possible. We will see what will happen,” said the 32-year-old spiker.

Abdel-Aziz became the first player in the Volleyball Nations League to score 30-plus points in five matches as he finished the 2024 season with a total of 284 points built on 235 spikes, 40 aces, and nine blocks.

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The Netherlands had a winless Manila leg in June and missed the Paris Olympics but he had a great time with the Filipino fans, hoping to receive the same energy next year in the World Championship.

“It’s nice. For us players, we like to play in the Philippines because we really, really feel the support from everybody,” Abdel-Aziz said. “They have these big tournaments here and it’s nice also for the players. So I’m excited to be there.”

“You’re being amazing and I hope it’s only gonna get bigger.”