The 2023 Girls U-17 African Nations Volleyball Championship culminated in a thrilling final match, where Egypt’s U-17 female volleyball team emerged triumphant by defeating the host country, Nigeria, with a score of 3-1. The tournament’s climax took place at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium (Package B) in Abuja, with Egypt showcasing their dominance on the volleyball court.
In a display of skill and tenacity, Egypt secured victory by claiming the first set with a score of 25-21. Undeterred, the Nigerian team rallied to win the second set with a score of 25-20. However, Egypt fiercely responded by clinching the third set 25-22 and ultimately clinching the championship by winning the fourth set 25-21. This resounding victory solidified Egypt’s position as the new champions of the Girls U-17 African Nations Volleyball Championship.
Notably, this championship marks a significant addition to the Conference of African Volleyball’s continental tournament lineup, underscoring the growing significance of women’s volleyball on the African sports stage.
Following the momentous final match, Sunday Akapson, the coach of the Nigerian team, expressed a mixture of disappointment in the loss and pride in his team’s performance. He commended the young players for their resilience, highlighting their debut in an international championship and their successful qualification for the upcoming World Cup. Moreover, Akapson reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Volleyball Federation in providing unwavering support to nurture these promising talents for future competitions, with the ultimate ambition of seeing them represent Nigeria in the Olympics a decade down the line.
Amidst the aftermath of the championship match, Mirabel Onyegwu, the captain of the Nigerian team, was awarded the prestigious Most Valuable Player Award. Despite narrowly missing out on the championship, Onyegwu affirmed the team’s unwavering determination to secure victory in the next edition, pledging to redouble their efforts to bring the coveted trophy home for the World Cup.
Echoing the sentiments of triumph, Islam Tayea, the coach of Egypt, conveyed heartfelt congratulations to his team for their well-deserved victory. He lauded the tireless dedication exhibited by the Egyptian players, emphasizing the rigorous six-month-long training regimen undertaken in preparation for the championship. Undoubtedly, Egypt’s resolute performance signifies a testament to their unwavering commitment to excellence, serving as an inspiration for aspiring volleyball players within the nation and beyond.
In further celebration of their triumph, Elsafy Nour, the captain of the Egyptian team, reflected on the arduous journey towards victory. With eight months of intensive preparations and a steely resolve to emerge victorious, Nour’s remarks underscored the dedication and perseverance inherent in Egypt’s pursuit of championship glory. Her words distinctly encapsulated the unyielding spirit and resilience exhibited by the Egyptian team throughout their commendable journey to clinch the championship.
As the dust settles on the pulsating championship, Egypt emerged as the champions, while Nigeria secured a commendable second place and Cameroon claimed the third position. This enthralling tournament, which commenced on Saturday, reached its culmination on a high note, marking a significant milestone in the realm of U-17 African Nations Volleyball.
The triumph of Egypt, the valiant display of Nigeria, and the commendable participation of Cameroon collectively underscore the profound impact and growing prominence of women’s volleyball on the African sports landscape, setting the stage for even greater achievements in the future.
NAN
