Volleyball : Nigeria qualifies for 2024 All African Games

Nigeria’s men and women volleyball teams have qualified for the 13th All African Games in Ghana this year.

The Technical Director of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Martin Melandi revealed this during an interview with newsmen at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

Melandi said teams in Zone 3 (West Africa) failed to show up for the qualifying series.

He said, “In Zone 3, we were slated to compete against Benin Republic, Togo, Burkina-Faso and Liberia. They confirmed their participation initially but withdrew at the last minute.

“The President of CAVB Zone 3, Ali Yaro has notified the Confederation of African Volleyball that Nigeria’s volleyball teams have qualified automatically. Hence, we arranged exhibition matches for them against selected Lagos players.
“These matches marked their first games since entering the camp, and I believe subsequent friendly matches will enhance their performance.”

The Head Coach of Nigeria men’s team, Musa Baba-Musa expressed confidence in his team’s abilities and potentials. He anticipated improved performances once foreign-based players joined the squad.

Baba-Musa said, “I have strong confidence in the players that they are going to give a good account of themselves. The players have shown tenacity and I believe we have the material to win a medal.

“Some foreign based players will join the team when camp resumes”

The men’s team, led by Moses Gana, secured a 3-0 victory against the Lagos State selected volleyball side in a best-of-three games, achieving scores of 30-28, 25-21, 25-22.

Gana expressed confidence in the team’s abilities and anticipated tougher matches in the future. As the team’s captain, he felt no pressure, emphasising his prior experience captaining local and U-21 national teams.

Meanwhile, the captain of Nigeria women’s team, Ijeoma Ukpabi echoed similar optimism, highlighting the team’s unity; a blend of experienced and young players, and strong training regiment as factors contributing to their readiness for the African Games.