Nigeria’s Ijeoma Ukpabi put up a sterling performance against Algeria in the last group stage match at the ongoing 2023 African Senior Women’s Nations Volleyball Championship on Sunday.
Despite Nigeria’s fighting spirit, the team lost 2-3 (16-25, 18-25, 25-23, 26-24, 6-15) to Algeria in a qualification decider at the Multipurpose Sports Hall in Yaounde.
Nigeria were not impressive in the first set against Algeria losing by 16 to 25 points. Coach Samuel Ajayi made a change to the starting six in the second set and Nigeria gave the Algerians a good fight but lost by 18 to 25 points.
Upon resumption of the third set Ijeoma Ukpabi gave a good account of herself making crucial points and spiking the ball into the six metres of their opponents, Kelechi Ndukauba came in for Albertina Francis, putting fear in the Algerians while Aliyat Usman (setter) made four points from serves as Nigeria won by 25 to 23 points.
In the fourth set, Nigeria made several blocks from Sandra Ozabor and Blessing Unekwu; spikes from Albertina Francis, Kelechi Ndukauba, Happy Wushilang and most importantly Ijeoma Ukpabi with classical sets from Aliyat Usman. Sandra Ozabor got the last point for Nigeria as they won by 26 to 24 points.
The Algerians came into the fifth set with determination as they hammered Nigeria 15 to 6 points.
In an exclusive interview with www.aclsports.com, Ijeoma Ukpabi said her performance can be attributed to the encouragement from her teammates.
Ukpabi said Nigeria were determined to beat Algeria but the game went the other way round.
Captain of COAS Spikers said, “My joy is that I was able to make a huge contribution in the match against Algeria; a win would have been better for the team.
“Before the match, we had a game plan to shock Algeria but it could not be a reality. I want to appreciate my teammates for their support and encouragement throughout the game.”
