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 duo of Esther Mbah and Pamela Bawa were unbeaten 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 emerge as champions.
Hilary Simon and Obayemi Ogunshina recorded 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) to win the men’s event.
Nigeria women’s team coach Kayode Ajilore commended the resilient spirit of the players while lauding the Nigeria Volleyball Federation led by Engineer Musa Nimrod for supporting the dreams of the young players.
“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 would resume closed camp to correct some lapses observed during the qualifiers.
(SportsAfricana)
His words: “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.
