Nigeria defeated Ghana 3-0 (25-22, 25-13, 25-20) to emerge champions of the women’s category at the just concluded 2023 ANOCA Games (Zone 3) in Lome, Togo.
The women’s team recorded a 100% performance winning all five matches in the volleyball event, sending a strong signal ahead of next year’s African Games qualifiers in Lagos.
Captained by Ijeoma Ukpabi, Nigeria showed hunger and determination in the first set beating Ghana by 25 to 22 points. The girls showed no respect for the Ghanaians in the second games, beating them by a difference of 12 points to win 25 to 13 points.
The third set went in favour of the West African giants 25 to 20 points to give the senior women’s team their major title since 2003.
An elated Elishama Elam told www.aclsports.com that the result shows a sign that the women’s senior national team is ready for glory in 2024.
Elam who led the national senior women’s team to Togo said the team is promising and can cause an upset at the African Games in Ghana.
The head coach of COAS Spikers VC said, “I am proud of the girls and they have shown that we stand a better chance of doing well at next year’s African Games. The players played with total dedication and knew what was at stake at the ANOCA Games.
“If you look at the performance of the women’s team in the last 6 years, they have been doing excellently well but missed the podium finish. I strongly believe that whosoever is in charge of the team for the African Games in Ghana will win a medal”.
Captain of the team, Ijeoma Ukpabi told www.aclsports.com that it was a pleasure to lead the team to victory.
She said, “It was an honour wearing the captain’s band and lifting the trophy for my nation. I promise to continue giving my best whenever called upon to represent the country”.
