Nigeria defeated South Sudan 3-0 (25-20, 25-21, 25-19) in their second match at the ongoing 2021 Confederation of African Volleyball Nations Cup in Rwanda on Wednesday.
Head Coach of Nigeria men’s team, Usman Abdullah, insists the match with the North Africans was a physical one but admits experience won the game for Nigeria.
Abdullah further disclosed that his target is to reach the quarterfinals and believes the victory over the Sudanese is the first step to rekindling the hopes of advancing further in the competition.
Having seen his side bowed to Tunisia earlier on Tuesday, the ex- International praised the character and commitment of his team. “South Sudan lost 3-2 to Ethiopia on Tuesday and it was expected of them to become more physical against us. I am excited the boys used their experience to suppress the South Sudan boys,” the coach stated.
“The team is not in Rwanda for the jamboree, our minimum target is to be in this year’s quarterfinals and if possible secure the Semifinals ticket. For those who know me, the word impossible is not in my dictionary.”
“After losing to Tunisia, I drew the attention of the boys to their bad blocks and lack of defending after an attack and I am happy the boys adhered to every instruction from the coaching crew,” Abdullah said the next mission is to secure maximum points against Ethiopia on Friday.
“Our mission is simple, beat Ethiopia and qualify for the Quarterfinals. We are not going to joke with Ethiopia this time around,” Abdallah concluded.
Nigeria will face Ethiopia in their final match in Pool B on Friday by 4 pm.
