By Victor Kanayo
Nigeria on Saturday lost Egypt 0-3 (24-26, 18-25, 15-25) in the opening match of the ongoing 2023 Girl’s U17 African Nations Volleyball Championship inside the indoor sports hall of the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja.
The Nigerian girls kicked off the first set strong, giving the Egyptian a good fight.
How The Game Was Won And Lost
The Nigerian team led by 24-23 points with the Egypt technical crew calling for a technical time out.
Upon resumption, the Egyptians levelled up 24 to 24 points, took the next two points and won the set by 26 to 24 points.
The Egyptian team came out stronger in the second and third sets beating Nigeria 25 to 18 points and 25 to 15 points.
Reactions, Next Encounter
Speaking after the encounter, the head coach of Nigeria U17 girl’s, Sunday Akapson, told newsmen that the players gave their best during the match.
The 2003 All African Games silver medallist said the players lost concentration during crucial period in the first set.
Egypt U17 girls coach, Mamr Makhlouif, said his team is in Nigeria to lift the trophy adding that Nigeria is his second home.
Makhlouif said Egypt wants to represent Nigeria at the World Championship and will go all out against Cameroon.
Egypt will face Cameroon on Sunday while Nigeria will face Cameroon on Monday.
Heritage Times HT had reported that the tournament earlier meant to feature 16 teams, ended up with three after nine others pulled out due to lack of funds and other logistical issues.
