Nigeria men and women’s beach volleyball teams have qualified for the 13th African Games in Ghana.
The 13th African Games is scheduled for 8th to 23rd March, 2024 in Accra, Kumasi and Cape Coast in Ghana.
The pair of Esther Mbah and Pamela Bawa recorded a 100% winning record in the women’s category beating Burkina Faso 2-0 (21-12, 21-10), Benin Republic 2-0 (21-6, 21-13) and Cote d’Ivoire 2-0 (21-6, 21-6) to finish first position.
The pair of Hilary Simon and Obayemi Ogunshina recorded three wins against Burkina Faso 2-0 (21-15, 21-11), Togo 2-1 (15-21, 21-13, 21-13) and Cote d’Ivoire 2-1 (16-21, 21-17, 15-13) losing to Benin Republic 2-1 (21-14, 21-23, 15-21).
The coach of Nigeria women’s team Kayode Ajilore commended the resilient spirit of the players for ensuring the nation qualifies for the African Games.
He praised the Nigeria Volleyball Federation led by Engineer Musa Nimrod for supporting the dreams of the young players.
The former beach volleyball player said, “I am full of joy to see that the women’s beach volleyball team has qualified for the African Games. The young girls have been able to cement their place in Zone III and I am sure with adequate preparations, they will go far.
“They played every game like their lives depended on it for survival and they eventually brought home the ticket”.
“I want to use this opportunity to thank the board Nigeria Volleyball Federation led by Engineer Musa Nimrod for making sure the dreams of the girls become reality”.
Ajilore said the players will resume closed camp immediately to work on some lapses observed during the qualifiers.
He revealed that the plan is to work towards winning a medal for the country.
He said, “There is no time for the players to spare. Once we arrive Nigeria, the players will resume camp with the guidance of other assistant coaches to adjust some weaknesses. I will inform the Nigeria Beach Volleyball Commission on the need to put the players in camp because we do not have any time to spare”.
“I believe in the ability of the players and they will show other countries. My prayer is that the girls return with a medal after the African Games”, he added.
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