In Abuja on December 5, 2023, Nigeria’s under-17 female volleyball team secured a significant victory against Cameroon, triumphing 3-1 in the ongoing 2023 Girls’ U17 African Nations Volleyball tournament.
The match, held at the Moshood Abiola Stadium’s Package B, marked a spirited comeback for the Nigerian girls after their initial loss to Egypt, showcasing a determined performance.
Initially dropping the opening set by 19-25, the Nigerian team displayed unwavering resilience, claiming victory in the subsequent three sets – 25-20, 25-13, and 25-22. Despite Cameroon’s efforts, they couldn’t capitalize on their opportunities.
Coach Sunday Akapson expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance but emphasized the need to remain focused. He remarked, “Congratulations to the girls for the work well done, this is just a starting point for us. We are meeting them again on Wednesday in the semi-final, and we want to assure you that the girls will replicate this victory.”
Tamoo Henry, the official delegate of the Cameroon team, acknowledged the challenge faced by their team, citing fatigue and tough matches against Egypt and Nigeria. He said, “The girls are tired, they are children, and we must encourage them. I believe that they will do better in their next match.”
Nigeria previously faced a 0-3 defeat to Egypt, while Cameroon encountered a close 2-3 loss against the same opponent.
Notably, the tournament witnessed participation from only Nigeria, Egypt, and Cameroon following the withdrawal of two countries due to logistical issues.
With Nigeria set to clash against Cameroon in the semi-final on Wednesday, the 2023 Girls’ U17 African Nations Volleyball, which commenced on Saturday, anticipates its conclusion on December 8.
