Head Coach of Nigeria’s women’s beach volleyball team, Kayode Ajilore, has confirmed that early preparations will commence immediately following the team’s qualification for the 2025 World Championship in Australia.
Ajilore, speaking on Monday in Abuja, praised the players for their performance at the just-concluded CAVB Continental Championship in Martil, Morocco, where the Nigerian team finished third.
“Nigeria women’s beach volleyball team has now qualified for the 2025 World Championship in Adelaide, Australia, in November,” he said.
The duo of Esther Mbah and Pamela Bawa secured the world championship ticket after a hard-fought 2-1 victory (21-14, 20-22, 15-9) over Egypt to seal third place.
Nigeria defeated Kenya and Botswana 2-0 each, won 2-1 against Gambia, but lost 0-2 to Rwanda in their fourth match of the championship.
Ajilore congratulated the players and described their achievement as the result of teamwork and resilience.
“I want to give glory to God for crowning our little efforts with success. The players have shown the world that the African Games silver medal was no fluke,” he said.
“They played to every instruction given to them. The girls were determined to represent the country in Australia for the world championship. We will start preparations for the world championship immediately so that we can also have a good result at the end of the tournament,” he added.
The coach also acknowledged the support of Musa Nimrod, President of the CAVB Beach Volleyball Commission, for creating the platform that enabled the team to shine.
He extended appreciation to the board of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) and commended the Sports Secretary of the Nigeria Customs Service, Samuel Onikeku, for his steadfast support in Morocco.
“Onikeku stood with us throughout the championship and encouraged us financially and mentally. His presence was a great boost to the morale of players and coaches,” he said.
The 2025 Beach Volleyball World Championship is scheduled to hold in Adelaide, Australia, from 14 to 23 November.
(NAN)