By JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
Nigeria’s senior male and female beach volleyball teams have stepped up preparations for the 2023 Africa Beach Games, billed to hold in Tunisia this month.
In view of that, no fewer than 16 players were spotted at their closed camp at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium camp yesterday when sports writers stormed to watch them during their morning trading session.
The 16 players are comprised of eight players each for male and female, out of which a final list of 12 will depart the shores of Nigeria for the continental competition.
Speaking to newsmen on the sidelines of their training schedule, Head coach Nigeria’s Male senior beach volleyball Team, Kayode Ajilore explained that they are in camp preparing for second Africa Beach Games in Tunisia from June 22.
“We have been in camp for two weeks and players are in top spirits. We have our them in shape and they are ready to go. 16 players in camp, six male and six female will be selected to represent Nigeria,” he said.
According to him, being in camp early, “is wisdom of federation, led by President, Engineer Musa Nimrod.
“Nigerians should be expecting a win like every other team at the tournament.
“However, I want Nigerians to pray for us, our determination is to go there and win the gold. We want to qualify for the world championship,” he said.
Also speaking, Coach Iwerima John of the female team said that naturally, they started the camp on a good note by camping early.
“Our ultimate goal is to get sole ticket to represent Africa at the world championship.
“The players are ready to learn, relearn and unlearn. They are very disciplined. The girls are good to go, we thank God no injuries so far,” he said.
One of the exceptional male players, Ogushina Obayemi said that they have been training hard.
“We are just preparing as a team. We don’t have challenges so far, the NVBF president is doing his best to ensure our welfare is adequately taken care of.
“We are ready to go and represent the country and make us proud,” he declared.
His female counterpart, Francisca Ikhiede said that the camp has been going on well and they are happy they reported to camp early.
“I am optimistic I will be among the six selected, everybody is doing well, but everybody cannot selected,” Ikhiede who plays for the Nigerian Customs Service Beach Volleyball Team, said.
Speaking further, she said, “Our expectation is to be on the podium, that is why we are training hard. We have worked hard so we are not scared, we pray God helps us”.
