The head coach of Nigeria’s girls’ squad that won this year’s African U18 Beach Volleyball Development Cup in Senegal on Thursday, John Iwerima has disclosed that it took a lot of determination, discipline, hard work and focus for the players to pull off the historic feat.
Sports247 reports that Iwerima is still basking in the euphoria of the achievement, as the Nigerian duo of Joy Lawrence and Ifechukwu Odoh defeated hosts Senegal Team-A 2-0 (21-8, 21-10) to emerge champions of the youth championship in Dakar.
Lawrence and Okoh started the first set strongly and left Senegal struggling to find a response, but the Nigerians maintained their composure to take the opening set 21-8 and continued their impressive display in the second set to win the championship with a 21-10 victory.
Iwerima praised the players for their resilience and fighting spirit, then projected that the exposure they gained at the championship will be valuable to the young players, as they continue their development.
He also commended Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) for its support and reasoned that a strong foundation is already being laid for even bigger achievements in the sport globally.
The ex-international added: “The players showed great resilience and determination throughout the competition. This victory is a clear indication that Nigeria has one of the best developmental programmes in Africa.”
