In the aftermath of Nigeria’s volleyball team’s defeat to Ghana at the African Games, Coach Musa Shittu offered candid insights into the match and its implications for both teams.
Speaking exclusively to Sports 247, Coach Shittu acknowledged Ghana’s superiority on the day and emphasized the importance of accepting defeat gracefully.
“Nothing actually went wrong. The truth is that Ghana was better and they won. So I believe, as a coach, I accept defeat without giving excuses. If we were better, we would have won. But Ghana was better and they won,” Coach Shittu stated.
Reflecting on the broader significance of the match and the rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana, Coach Shittu highlighted the spirit of camaraderie and support among African nations. Despite the disappointment of defeat, he expressed solidarity with Ghana and pledged support for their continued success in the tournament.
“As it is now, definitely we will support Ghana so that Ghana will move forward. Let’s see how Ghana will get into the finals. We will all come here and we support Ghana because they are ours against any other country that will come that is not part of the zone,” Coach Shittu affirmed.
Addressing the dynamics of the match, particularly the contrast between Nigeria’s professional players and Ghana’s cohesive team effort, Coach Shittu emphasized the importance of team unity and national pride in achieving success.
“Ghana took advantage of what they had and they used it well. They are the hosts and they play in the presence of their fans. And the truth is, Ghana played as a team. They played as a team. That nationalism was there, that patriotism was there. This is our floor. We hosted it. We have this chance and we are going to use it and Ghana did it. So I think I give them thumbs up,” he concluded.
As Nigeria regroups and reflects on its performance, Coach Shittu’s words underscore the sportsmanship and mutual respect that characterize the African Games, embodying the spirit of unity and camaraderie among nations on the continent.
