Nigeria women’s team placed fourth at the just concluded 2022 African Beach Volleyball Senior Nations Championships in Morocco.
Nigeria’s Rofiat Mustapha and Esther Mbah lost to Mozambique Muianga and Sinaportar 0-2 (9-21, 13-21) in the third place match on Monday.
Despite losing the third place match, coach of Nigeria beach volleyball team, Kayode Ajilore commended the resilient spirit of the girls.
Ajilore said the initial plan of Team Nigeria was to enter into the finals but returning home without a medal is painful.
He said, “I am happy with the fighting spirit of Esther Mbah and Rafiat Mustapha throughout the championship; they performed above my expectations.
“Before departing the country, our benchmark was to reach the finals in either the men’s or women’s team. Returning home without a medal is painful but I must commend the girls for giving their opponents good fights in the semifinals and third place match.
“This is the first time Rafiat Mustapha and Esther Mbah will be pairing in an African Championship and I am optimistic they will win laurels for the country in subsequent championship”, he added.