BY NONYELUM JULIET EKWENUGO
Kaduna
As the Africa Continental Beach Volleyball Tournament draws closer, Nigeria’s national teams have been assured of a podium finish at the championship scheduled to hold in Morocco from June 23, 2025.
Speaking at the team’s camp in Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna, on Thursday, June 19, National Beach Volleyball Coach, Kayode Ajilore, expressed strong optimism in the capacity of the players to make the country proud.
“So far, so good. The training has been smooth. The players are cooperating, and we are not battling any injuries. They’re really good, disciplined athletes. We are proud of them,” he said.
Coach Ajilore noted that Nigeria is not a newcomer in the sport, adding that the country remains a formidable force on the African continent.
“In beach volleyball, Nigeria is a threat to any other country. This will not be the first time we are facing most of these opponents. We’ve met before, and this time, I believe Nigeria is the team to beat. With the help of God, we are looking forward to winning the tournament,” he added.
Also speaking, the team chaperon, Florence Yori, stated that the camp has been active for the past three weeks, thanks to the support of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) President, Engineer Musa Nimrod.
“The team has been here for the past two weeks. They are in good health with no injuries recorded. The players train morning and evening. The weather and environment have been favourable,” she said.
She commended the efforts of the NVBF President, noting that he has ensured adequate welfare for the players.
“He is taking care of everything—the feeding, toiletries, medicals, and even accommodation. Though we don’t have a formal hostel here, the current facility was fumigated, and we have cleaners. The accommodation is decent,” she said.
Yori, who spoke confidently about the team’s chances, stated, “I have confidence in both the male and female teams. If they play according to instructions and stick to what they’ve been taught in training, they’ll definitely make Nigeria proud.”
One of the male players, Augustine Uche, also expressed optimism as the team prepares to depart for Morocco on Sunday.
“We are here on national duty, and by God’s grace, we’ve been in camp for over two weeks. The training has been intense. We know we will face tough sides like Morocco, Gambia, Kenya, and Rwanda, but there’s no team we are scared of. We believe we can go all the way,” Uche said.
Female team captain, Esther Mbah Onyinye, said the team is well-prepared for the continental showdown.
“Our preparation has been good. With all the drills and instructions from our coaches, I can confidently say we are ready,” she said.
Similarly, Emenike Collins Ezike, a male player who also represents Nigeria Customs Service at the club level, stressed that the team is aiming for nothing less than winning the trophy and securing qualification for the World Championship.
“Our expectation is to bring the trophy back home. The coaches have given us top-level training. Morale is high, and we are good to go,” he stated.
The Nigerian contingent, comprising about 18 players, is scheduled to depart for Morocco on Sunday ahead of the tournament’s opening on June 23.
