The head coach of Nigeria U21 women’s team, Rakiya Mohammed says she believes that the country can become African champions at the 2023 African U21 Nations Championship in Niamey.
The 2023 African U21 Nations Championship is scheduled for 3rd to 10th July in Niamey, Niger Republic.
The former National U18 assistant coach told www.aclsports.com that the Nations U21 Championship will help build the confidence of the players and put them in shape ahead of the FIVB U19 World Championship in Croatia and Hungary next August.
“We departed yesterday (Sunday) and from what you are seeing, the girls are in high spirits. The President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Engineer Musa Nimrod has ensured all the welfare of the players,” the head coach of Plateau State Volleyball Association said.
“I am happy with the level of work we have done and the kind of playing personnel at our disposal. I believe everything will come together beautifully and we will have a team that will make the country proud at the tournament.”
“A large nucleus of the team is dominated by the U19 Girls who are preparing for the FIVB World Championship. I believe the Zone 3 Nations Cup will be an avenue for them to put them in shape”.
While calling for volleyball community support as they begin their campaign, the former Head Coach of Nigeria U17 African Youth Games team said; “I am soliciting for the prayers of every volleyball stakeholder to please support us because we are technically, tactically, and psychologically strong as well. We will do everything to bring you happiness.”
According to her, if they win, they will win a ticket to participate in the World Championship in Thailand.
FULL LIST
Aisha Abdulraheem (CNS Spikers), Kelechi Ndukaba (Niger Ravens), Maryam Ibrahim (Niger Ravens), Sarah Ali (Plateau Rocks), Deborah Chukwu (COAS Spikers), Fadilat Ibrahim (Kada Emeralds), Verity Onyegwu (CNS Spikers).
Others include Mariam Usman (CNS Spikers), Ifunanya Udeagbala (Anambra VB), Aliyat Usman (CNS Spikers), Mary Ishiaku (Life Camp VC) and Chilota Marvellous (Kada Emeralds).
