Nigeria’s men and women’s teams have qualified for the 13th African Games in Ghana. The Technical Director of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Martin Melandi revealed this during an interview with newsmen at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos on Friday.
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 the 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 and they’ll add more fire powers to the home based players. I believe the players will resume camp before the Ministry of Sports call theirs”
Meanwhile, the Coach of Nigeria Women’s Team, Samuel Ajayi told www.aclsports.com that his side still needs to make little adjustments in their play.
He said the team will build on the successes of the ANOCA Games and launch a formidable team to the African Games.
