Nigeria I bright start at U21 African Volleyball Championship

Nigeria began her quest for glory at the ongoing U21 African Volleyball Championship, as the country’s representatives came from two sets down to win their opening game. The boys showed grit and determination after going down in the first two sets against Cameroon 24-26, 23- 25, and came back to win 25-21, 25-16 and 15 […]

Nigeria began her quest for glory at the ongoing U21 African Volleyball Championship, as the country’s representatives came from two sets down to win their opening game.
The boys showed grit and determination after going down in the first two sets against Cameroon 24-26, 23- 25, and came back to win 25-21, 25-16 and 15 – 9 in the third, fourth and fifth set respectively.
While declaring the tournament open, Minister of Youths and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry sports Mr Olusade Adesola, charged the athletes to play fairly and embrace the spirit of sportsmanship during the one-week event.
“I am delighted to welcome you to Nigeria for the African championship begin a qualifying tournament to the World Cup I wish you all the best, As host nation, our mandate is to offer you the best hospitality and successful hosting. Volleyball and sports is a unifying factor on behalf of the minister I declare the champions open,” he said.
Coach Enishanma Elam of Nigeria, who was full of joy, told Daily Trust that his desire was to win the championship.
“We did come to lose, but somehow the two first set came unexpected but we have to come from behind to take the last three set.
“I know we are going to win, usually we underrated the Cameroon team, but before we came for the championship we have be sounding this to them that there is no team to underrate, but thank God we won,” he said.
Meanwhile Morocco defeated Chad in the opening game of the tournament in three straight sets 25-16, 25-14, 25-16 respectively
The African U21 Volleyball Championship serves as 2019 World Championship qualifiers where the top two African teams will represent Africa in the FIVB U-21 Championship.