Nigeria defeat Senegal in classification game at African Volleyball Championship

VONigeria defeat Senegal in classification game at African Volleyball Championship

...Coach Elam hails victory, praises Senegalese ladies and Kenyan fans

Nigeria secured a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Senegal in the classification game of 9-15 position on Monday in Nairobi the Kenyan capital.

Nigeria recovered strongly after dropping the second set to book their place in the next stage of the classification matches.

Nigeria made an impressive start, winning the opening set 25-17, but Senegal fought back in the second to edge a closely contested set 26-24 and level the match.

The Nigerian team responded emphatically, dominating the third set 25-12 before sealing the victory with a 25-20 triumph in the fourth set.

Nigeria's superiority was also reflected in the match statistics. They registered 10 aces to Senegal's one and recorded 12 blocks, compared with five from their opponents.

Nigeria also produced 44 kills against Senegal's 36, while benefiting from 34 Senegalese errors.

Nigeria coach Elishama Elam described the victory as an important boost for his team's confidence as they continue their campaign.

"The victory means a lot to the team. It gives us confidence and motivates us to continue improving so that we can put ourselves in a very good position. That is our prayer," Elam said after the match.

The coach also acknowledged Senegal's improvement since the group stage, noting that the youthful Senegalese side is gaining valuable experience as the competition progresses.

"Of course, they have improved. They are a very youthful team, and they are picking up experience as they progress in the competition," Elam said.

He added that although the two teams have a similar average age, Nigeria's greater experience helped contribute to what he described as a competitive encounter.

"That is why we had a very good and competitive match. However, we give glory to God for giving us the victory," he added.

Elam also expressed his appreciation for the warm reception Nigeria has received from Kenyan supporters, saying the hosts have embraced the Nigerian team throughout the competition.

"We are very proud of them. One good thing about Kenyans is that they are an English-speaking country, and honestly, I don't know how to appreciate them enough," he said.

"They are actually in love with the Nigerian team, and we also give that love back to them. We appreciate the Kenyan people with all our hearts. Thank you."

The 3-1 victory keeps Nigeria's classification battle firmly on track as they look to finish in the top ten position at the end of the championship.