Head Coach of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Musa Babanmusa says Nigeria is aiming to win her first U20 women’s nations cup since its inception in 2002.
The Africa female U20 Nation’s Cup is scheduled for Nairobi, Kenya from 26th August to 2rd September, 2018.
Babanmusa told www.aclsports.com that Nigeria U20 team can secure the only slot available for the FIVB World Championship of this age category.
“We expect Nigerians to encourage us by praying for us and we’ll make Nigeria proud in Kenya. If you remember, our U17 boys went to Algiers defeating all their opponents and brought the trophy home”.
“With the preparations the girls had, we want to believe that the team will not only secure the ticket for the age category World championship but to bring the trophy home” he said.
The Kano Pillars volleyball gaffer disclosed that the selection process was tough because the players invited to camp met the necessary requirements.
“There were difficulties because the girls were all good. Bulk of the players went to Cotonou around May for the U17 qualifiers”.
“About nine of them in the current U20 are from the team because we are trying to build a formidable and young squad; there should be a progression. The selection was tight; I want to tell you that for the very first time in volleyball, the final list was announced on the last day of training”.
He said, “Throughout the training and camping exercise, no player was dropped due to their pedigree unlike before were players got dropped during camping. The technical committee was fair and objective during selection”.
Nigeria, hosts Kenya, defending champions Egypt, DR Congo, Rwanda, Mauritius, Cameroon, Tanzania, Guinea and Uganda have confirmed their participation at the 2018 Women’s U20 African Nations Championship.
The U20 female team left Nigeria for Kenya by 1pm today (Thursday).
Meanwhile, the national U21 men’s team has started preparations ahead of the 2018 African Junior Championships scheduled for September 12-19 in Nigeria.
Nigeria U-20 Women Squad – Volleyball
- Aisha Bello
- Chigoziem Umeokana
- Nworie bethel
- Enewa Odoh
- Ilesanmi Elizabeth
- Alitumo Joy
- Wushilang Happy
- Orazuike Amaka
- Onunkwo Onyinye
- Nwokeocha Chinonso
- Nanbyen Selbol
- Terwase Mnena
Coaches:
- Musa Baba-musa
- Olusegun Abinde
