Nigeria produced a stirring comeback at the African Women’s Volleyball Championship in Nairobi, overturning a two-set deficit to beat the Democratic Republic of Congo 3-2 in a classification fixture.
Key takeaways
- DR Congo won the first two sets, 25-20 and 25-22.
- Nigeria responded by claiming the next two sets 25-21 and 25-13.
- The Nigerians edged the deciding set 15-13 to seal victory.
- Coach Elishama Elam praised the team’s refusal to give up.
- High Commissioner Danlami Ibrahim urged Nigerians in Kenya to attend the team’s final match.
Nigeria complete dramatic turnaround
DR Congo appeared to be in control after taking the opening set 25-20 and following it with a 25-22 success. Nigeria were then left needing a major response to keep the contest alive.
Elishama Elam’s team delivered it in emphatic fashion, winning the third set 25-21 before taking the fourth 25-13. That levelled the match and sent the sides into a deciding fifth set.
Nigeria remained composed during a closely fought finale, eventually securing the set 15-13 and completing an impressive recovery.
Elam said he was delighted by the players’ resilience and their determination not to concede defeat.
“I am extremely pleased and proud to be Nigerian. Giving up is not part of our character,” the coach said.
He added that Nigeria would maintain the same intensity in its final championship appearance and spend every last reserve of energy on court.
“We will prepare with the same commitment. As this will be our final match, we will leave everything out there and give every drop of sweat,” Elam said.
Ibrahim praises young squad
Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Kenya, Ambassador Danlami Ibrahim, watched the comeback and applauded the players for their resolve.
“I am delighted by this victory. To recover from two sets behind and win 3-2 reflects the spirit of Nigeria. Anyone who underestimates this team does so at their own risk,” Ibrahim said.
He pointed out that the young squad had reacted well to a 3-0 defeat by hosts Kenya, following that setback with two straight wins.
“The players have displayed genuine determination. After the 3-0 loss to Kenya, they responded with two consecutive victories. I understand this is a young team, and it has a promising future,” he said.
Ibrahim also called on Nigerians based in Kenya to provide stronger support from the stands during the team’s last match.
“There is a sizeable Nigerian community in Kenya, although the attendance has not been as strong as hoped, perhaps because of work commitments. I encourage more people to come to the final game and support the team,” he said.
