Volleyball: Nigeria to begin U-17 Nations Championship against Egypt

Volleyball: Nigeria to begin U-17 Nations Championship against Egypt

Hassan Abdulsalam 06:39 - 02.12.2023

The game is scheduled for the indoor sports arena at the Moshood Abiola Stadium (Package B) in Abuja at 4 p.m.

Nigeria will play Egypt in the opening match of the 2023 Girl's U-17 African Nations Volleyball Championship.

The game is scheduled for the indoor sports arena at the Moshood Abiola Stadium (Package B) in Abuja at 4 p.m.

Akapson appeals for Nigerian Support

The head coach of Nigeria's U17 Girls' team, Sunday Akapson, has appealed to Nigerians to come out in mass to support the girls to victory.

He added that his players would give their best during the championship.

Nigeria at African Volleyball Championship

He said, "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, said countries on the continent have to make age grade championships their priority if they 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".

Only three countries, which include host Nigeria, Egypt, and Cameroon, will be participating in the tournament after two countries pulled out due to logistics.

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