Nigeria will take on Egypt in their opening match at the 2023 Girl’s U17 African Nations Volleyball Championship in Abuja on Saturday.
Only three countries which includes host Nigeria, Egypt and Cameroon will be participating in the tournament after two countries pulled out due to logistics and head coach of Nigeria U17 Girls’ team, Sunday Akapson has said that his players will give their best during the championship.
According to him; “These are new crop of players who are ready to make the nation proud at the U17 Championship. This is an opportunity to expose the players to international tournaments and we are hopeful of making a positive impact.
“I am enjoining lovers of the game of volleyball to rally round the team and support us when we take on Egypt today.”
Meanwhile, Former Vice President of the Confederation of African Volleyball, Engineer Habu Gumel has said countries on the continent have to make age grade championships their priority if they are to stand any chance of competing with other continents.
Engineer Gumel said, “I wanted to see a lot of African teams here in Nigeria for the African U17 Girl’s Championship but they could not come due to financial issues. Nevertheless, the CAVB under the leadership of Madam Bouchra Hajij is doing her best and this issue will be discussed at the next board of administration meeting to find ways to ensure African countries participate in other age groups.
“It is our collective duty to ensure we develop volleyball in Africa in order to match other continents.”
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